The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a public statement addressing the recent wave of abductions in Kenya and confirming the safe return of several missing individuals. The official communication, signed by Police Spokesperson Dr. Resila Onyango, was shared via their verified X account on January 6, 2025.
This statement comes amid rising public concern and social media uproar over the alarming increase in reported disappearances in recent weeks.
Official Police Statement on Abductions
In the press release, the NPS detailed updates on four key cases of individuals who had been reported missing across different parts of the country in December 2024. The police highlighted the following developments:
- Bernard Kavuli Musyimi – Initially reported missing at Ngong’ Police Station, he resurfaced and presented himself at Moi’s Bridge Police Station. He is currently cooperating with investigators to shed light on the circumstances surrounding his disappearance.
- Billy Wanyiri Mwangi, Peter Muteti, and Ronny Kiplagat – The three individuals, reported missing at Embu Police Station, Kabete Police Station, and Thogoto Police Post, respectively, have all been reunited with their families.
The NPS assured the public that investigators would engage with the individuals and their families to gather further information to aid ongoing investigations.
Additionally, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has intensified efforts to resolve all pending abduction cases, emphasizing collaboration with the public to share any helpful information through toll-free emergency numbers (999, 911, 112) or via the FichuakwaDCI hotline (0800722203).
Details of the Released Abductees
1. Ronny Kiplagat Found in Machakos County
Ronny, who had been missing for weeks, was located in Machakos County. His discovery came as a relief to his family, who had been tirelessly searching and raising awareness about his disappearance.
2. Bernard Kavuli Located in Kitale
After being reported missing from Ngong’, Bernard Kavuli was eventually found in Kitale. He later presented himself at a local police station, where he provided crucial information to aid investigations.
3. Peter Muteti Found in Nairobi CBD
Peter, who had been reported missing in Kabete, was located in Nairobi CBD. Details about his disappearance and return remain scant, but authorities promise to investigate the case thoroughly.
4. Cartoonist Kibet Bull Resurfaces in Vihiga County
One of the most high-profile cases was that of Gideon Kibet, a popular cartoonist and visual activist known as ‘Kibet Bull’ on social media. After weeks of silence, Kibet took to social media to confirm his release.
In his post, Kibet recounted being dropped off in Luanda Town, Vihiga County, around 3-4 AM. He humorously narrated how he ended up joining a local Disco Matanga (a traditional nighttime dance event) until dawn, after which he booked a bus ticket to safety.
“They dropped me in Luanda Vihiga at 3-4 AM Leo. Sikuwa najua where to enter or book a room. Kidogo form ya Disco Matanga came in, danced mpaka 6 AM when I went to book a ticket,” Kibet shared.
Despite his lighthearted recounting, Kibet revealed that his phone had been confiscated during his captivity.
5. Steve Mbisi Also Released
Another individual, Steve Mbisi, was also confirmed to have been released. However, details surrounding his abduction and release remain unclear.
Public Outcry and Growing Concerns
The recent wave of abductions has sparked national and international attention, with human rights groups, activists, and social media users calling for accountability and transparency from the authorities.
The recurring pattern in these abductions, particularly the apparent involvement of unidentified individuals posing as state agents, has raised alarm bells among civil society organizations.
Social media campaigns under hashtags like #EndAbductionsKE and #JusticeForTheMissing have garnered significant traction, pushing authorities to address these cases urgently.
Police Reassurance and Ongoing Investigations
In their statement, the National Police Service reiterated their commitment to conducting thorough investigations into all reported cases of abductions and disappearances.
“The National Police Service remains committed to ensuring that all these matters are thoroughly investigated to their logical conclusions,” the statement read.
Authorities further urged members of the public to cooperate with police efforts by providing credible information that could assist in tracing missing persons or identifying those responsible for these abductions.
Unanswered Questions and Next Steps
Despite the relief brought by the safe return of the five abductees, several critical questions remain unanswered:
- Who is behind these abductions?
- Are there systemic failures within law enforcement enabling these incidents?
- What measures are being implemented to prevent future occurrences?
Civil rights organizations are now demanding independent investigations into these abductions to ensure transparency and accountability.
Public Cooperation Vital in Solving Cases
The police have emphasized the importance of public cooperation in resolving these abduction cases. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspicious activities or information related to abductions through official channels, including:
- Police Toll-Free Hotlines: 999, 911, 112
- FichuakwaDCI Hotline: 0800722203
Final Thoughts
The safe return of Ronny Kiplagat, Bernard Kavuli, Peter Muteti, Kibet Bull, and Steve Mbisi offers a glimmer of hope amid widespread fear and anxiety. However, these cases also highlight the urgent need for structural reforms and heightened accountability within Kenya’s security apparatus.
As investigations continue, the public remains watchful, demanding answers and long-term solutions to prevent such distressing incidents in the future.
For now, the spotlight remains on the National Police Service and their ability to deliver justice and ensure the safety of all citizens.
