Billy Munyiri Mwangi, a 24-year-old university student abducted in Embu and held captive for 16 days, is now recovering at his parents’ home after being discharged from the hospital.
Speaking after his release, Mwangi expressed gratitude to God for his safe return and forgave his abductors despite the traumatic ordeal.
Mwangi was abducted on December 21, 2024, while waiting for a haircut at a barber shop in Embu town.
A white double-cabin pickup truck arrived, and four hooded men, suspected to be government security agents, forcibly took him away without explanation. Witnesses recounted seeing the men bundle Mwangi into the vehicle.
During his captivity, Mwangi was held in a dark room, beaten, and subjected to psychological torture.
“I was mentally tortured and don’t remember many things. It will take time to recover. Even now, I feel disturbed and confused. However, I have forgiven those who abducted me and left them in the hands of God,” Mwangi said. He was eventually released in Nyeri, from where he made his way home using public transport.
His abduction caused anguish for his family, who campaigned tirelessly for his freedom. His father, Gerald Karicha, expressed profound gratitude to Kenyans and church leaders who protested and prayed for Mwangi’s safe return.
“Kenyans stood with us, and their efforts led to my son’s release. We are forever grateful,” he said. Neighbors and friends joined the family in celebrating his return, ending weeks of uncertainty and fear.
Initial police investigations revealed that Mwangi’s phone was switched off 400 meters from the barber shop where he was taken. His family reported the abduction, but efforts to locate him initially proved unsuccessful.
Medical assessments confirmed that Mwangi suffered both physical and psychological trauma during his captivity.
