Popular cartoonist Gideon Kibet, famously known as Kibet Bull, has vowed to limit his online activity following his traumatic experience of being abducted and held for 12 days under unclear circumstances.
Kibet, a vocal critic of the government, was allegedly abducted on December 24, 2024, and released on January 6, 2025, alongside five other individuals. Speaking in a television interview shortly after his release, the cartoonist expressed concern for his safety and that of his family.
“After what happened, I have to minimize my activity on social media,” Kibet stated, while declining to disclose details about his ordeal or his captors.
Kibet took to his X account to share his release experience, revealing that he was dropped off in Luanda, Vihiga County, at dawn. “They dropped me in Luanda Vihiga at 3-4 am today. I did not know where to go or where to book a room,” he wrote.
The release of Kibet and five others coincided with planned protests by activists against abductions and forced disappearances, which have drawn widespread condemnation. Rights groups have labeled the acts as attacks on free speech.
Families of other abducted individuals, including Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and Rony Kiplangat, confirmed contact with their loved ones. Authorities revealed that Kiplangat was found in Machakos County, Kavuli in Kitale, and Muteti in Nairobi CBD, where he appeared disoriented but is now recovering at home.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja is scheduled to appear in court on January 8 to address the disappearances. Additionally, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mulele Ingonga, has directed the police to report the status of investigations into the abductions by January 1, 2025.
The cartoonist’s abduction has sparked outrage, fueling calls for accountability and action against enforced disappearances, which continue to undermine free expression and human rights in the country.
