Abductions Of Government Critics In Kenya Spark Outcry And Fear

 On Christmas Eve, 24-year-old agriculture student Gideon Kibet stepped off a bus only to be surrounded by four masked men who forced him into a car. The men tore his shirt, used it as a blindfold, and taunted him. Kibet is one of dozens of government critics who have gone missing since youth-led protests erupted in June against a controversial finance bill.  

Kibet, who posted cartoons critical of Kenyan President William Ruto and his administration on social media, was released alongside four others on Monday, just 10 days after Ruto pledged to stop abductions of government critics.  

Despite government denials of involvement in the disappearances, at least 82 critics have gone missing since summer, according to the Kenya National Human Rights Commission. While Ruto acknowledged the abductions last month, he denied government responsibility for all cases, instead urging parents to “take care” of their children.  

Those who were released have said they remain uncertain about who detained them or where they were held, but many have decided to stop criticizing the government on social media. Activist Hussein Khalid expressed concerns that the government has effectively silenced dissenting voices through intimidation and threats.  

“They openly said they will tone down and won’t be as critical as before,” Khalid said, reflecting the fears of human rights defenders that the abductions are a deliberate strategy to stifle criticism.  

Kenyan authorities continue to deny involvement in the disappearances, with the country’s police chief asserting that none of the missing individuals were held in police stations. However, activists and human rights groups point to evidence suggesting otherwise.  

“It’s clear the government is involved. Abducting people in broad daylight with CCTV cameras everywhere – it’s obvious,” said Khalid.  

Ordeal of the Abducted

The recently released individuals described harrowing experiences during their captivity. They were kept in solitary rooms, sometimes in complete darkness, with limited access to basic hygiene. Many reported being interrogated about their social media activity and were returned without their phones.  

Kibet, who was once a strong supporter of Ruto, became an outspoken critic as disillusionment over corruption, unemployment, and economic challenges grew. He believes his online activism led to his abduction.  

His younger brother, Ronny Kiplangat, was also abducted a few days earlier, likely as a way to lure Kibet back to Nairobi. Kiplangat was eventually released in Machakos, nearly 100 kilometers from where he had been taken. Like Kibet, he was blindfolded during transport and remains unsure of his detention location.  

Human rights groups have classified these abductions as enforced disappearances, a violation of both Kenyan and international law. Amnesty International Kenya’s executive director, Irungu Houghton, said the operations are well-organized and suggest state involvement.  

“It’s not something rogue officers could execute on their own,” Houghton said, noting the use of weapons and unregistered vehicles.  

Kenya’s National Police Service issued a statement pledging to investigate the disappearances but has faced criticism for its lack of action.  

Trauma and Fear Persist 

Among those recently released, 22-year-old Peter Muteti Njeru is grappling with severe trauma. CCTV footage showed him being dragged into a car on December 21 while buying breakfast outside his apartment in Uthiru. Muteti had previously posted an AI-generated image of President Ruto in a casket on social media, sparking controversy.  

Muteti’s cousin, Ansity Kendi Christine, described his physical injuries, including handcuff marks and cuts, as evidence of violence during his detention. She said he remains in “panic mode” and has mostly stayed indoors since his return.  

Another victim, Billy Mwangi, a 24-year-old barber, also disappeared after posting a doctored image of Ruto online. Mwangi, who was held for 15 days, returned to his parents in Embu but has refrained from speaking about his ordeal, saying he is still recovering mentally.  

Both men expressed gratitude for being alive but remain deeply shaken, with their families fearing lasting psychological scars.  

Human Rights Concerns Grow

Amid widespread allegations of state complicity in these abductions, activists and citizens are demanding accountability. The use of hooded men, unmarked vehicles, and excessive force at protests has raised serious concerns about human rights abuses under the current administration.  

Despite promises to investigate, critics argue that the government’s actions—or lack thereof—speak louder than words, leaving many to question the state of democracy and freedom of expression in Kenya.