Billy Mwangi, one of the five individuals abducted and later released on Monday, January 6, 2025, has spoken out regarding posts purportedly from his social media account.
In a statement on Tuesday, January 7, Mwangi cautioned the public against trusting posts on X (formerly Twitter) made by pseudo-accounts impersonating him. He disclosed that his legitimate account had been hacked during his abduction, and his phone was confiscated.
“Those accounts on X using my name are not me. Currently, I am not on X. My account was hacked, and my phone was confiscated during the ordeal. I will update you in due course,” Mwangi clarified.
Recounting the Ordeal
Mwangi, who was abducted on December 21, 2024, in Embu, recounted the harrowing experience of being held in a dark room for 15 days. He revealed that his head was forcibly shaved and admitted to ongoing mental trauma despite his physical recovery.
“To my X team and everyone from Nairobi and Embu, I love you so much. Even though they shaved my head, I’m back and healing. Physically, I am recovering well, but mentally, it’s still a challenge. I will be fine,” Mwangi assured.
Release of Other Abductees
In addition to Mwangi, four other individuals who were abducted in late December were released on Monday.
- Peter Muteti was abducted on December 21, 2024, from his apartment near Nairobi. Upon release, he was disoriented and unable to speak. CNN journalist Larry Madowo confirmed his release via X, quoting his family’s statement: “Peter is currently with family. He is quite disoriented and not able to talk or give interviews at the moment.”
- Cartoonist Gideon Kibet and his brother Ronny Kiplangat were also among those released. Kiplangat was abducted outside a Seventh-Day Adventist church on December 21, while Kibet was taken three days later after meeting Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah in Nairobi.
- Kiplangat was dropped in Machakos by his abductors, who gave him transport money to return home.
Police Investigations
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched investigations into the abductions. Police spokesperson Resila Onyango assured the public that efforts are underway to resolve cases of missing persons.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is actively investigating all cases of missing persons in the country. Many of these cases are pending before the court, while others remain under active investigation,” Onyango stated.
The release of the abductees and Mwangi’s testimony have renewed calls for accountability and transparency in addressing cases of enforced disappearances.
