Manyatta Member of Parliament (MP) Gitonga Mukunji has shared harrowing details of the ordeal Billy Mwangi endured during his 16-day captivity.
Speaking to Mwangi’s family on Monday, January 6, 2025, shortly after his reunion with loved ones, the MP revealed that preliminary reports point to mistreatment, including whipping and severe food rationing.
“The young man is seriously traumatized. He was whipped and confined to a dark room. While we were celebrating the Christmas holidays, this young man was locked away in an unknown place,” Mukunji said.
He disclosed that Mwangi was subjected to extreme food deprivation, receiving only one meal a day. “I am told Billy was given only one meal a day, portioned in a way that made him feel helpless,” Mukunji added.
Condemning the abductions, Mukunji vowed to push for legislative reforms to ensure the safety of all Kenyans.
“We are going to review our laws to ensure swift government action when such incidents occur. Because one of us is all of us,” he stated.
The MP called for Mwangi’s ordeal to be the last of its kind. “Let Billy be the last person to face this suffering. Let his parents be the last ones to endure this pain,” he urged.
Mukunji further criticized the use of unlawful tactics to instill fear among citizens and reiterated his commitment to fighting for justice.
“Because Billy has not been charged, it is clear that these individuals wanted to instill fear. But we have emerged stronger as leaders with a conscience, and we will continue to fight against lawlessness, government overreach, and ignorance of the rule of law,” he affirmed.
Billy Mwangi, abducted on December 21, 2024, returned home on January 6, 2025. His father, Gerald Karicha, expressed immense relief after seeing his son walk into their compound at around 8 a.m.
“He brought himself home. I was with his mum outside when we saw him. We thank God and all the people who prayed for us and supported us,” Karicha said during a press briefing.
Mwangi was one of six youths abducted in December 2024 after sharing critical posts about President William Ruto and the State on social media. Along with Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and Rony Kiplangat were also released on January 6, 2025.
However, Gideon Kibet, known as Kibet Bull, remains missing. His family has reported no contact since his abduction on December 24, 2024.
As Mwangi begins his recovery, Mukunji and other leaders have pledged to intensify efforts to end abductions and protect the rights of all Kenyans.
