Business and transport activities in Embu Town ground to a halt on Friday, December 27, 2024, as residents staged massive demonstrations over the alleged abduction of social media influencer Billy Mwangi.
Images and videos obtained by City Mirror showed protesters waving placards, blowing whistles, and chanting slogans demanding Billy’s release. His abduction allegedly occurred on Saturday, December 21, at a barbershop in Embu.
Residents, joined by members of the local business community, rallied in solidarity with Billy’s family—prominent figures in Embu’s commercial sector. The protests disrupted operations across the county, with tensions escalating as youths lit bonfires and blocked roads, prompting some businesses to shut down.
Billy’s alleged abduction has been linked to individuals believed to be officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). His disappearance reportedly followed his posting of AI-generated images on social media that were deemed distasteful toward government leaders.
Billy is among three individuals reportedly abducted under similar circumstances, with the others being Bernard Kavuli and Peter Muteti. Their whereabouts remain unknown nearly a week later, fueling public outcry both online and offline.
Notable political figures, including opposition leader Raila Odinga, have condemned the abductions.
Before the protests, Embu residents issued a 12-hour ultimatum to the state demanding Billy’s release. The demonstrations were further bolstered by local leaders, including Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, who strongly criticized the government for what he termed extrajudicial measures.
Speaking on December 24, Mukunji warned of severe consequences if Billy was harmed or not released.
“We expect the organs of law to produce Billy unharmed and alive. If under any circumstance he is produced harmed or not alive, we will shut down Embu. We will hold demonstrations and close government offices because we cannot tolerate losing our young people,” Mukunji declared.
The MP urged the government to adhere to the rule of law, asserting that any grievances against Billy should follow due process under the Constitution.
Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja denied any police involvement in the abductions.
“For the avoidance of doubt, the National Police Service is not involved in any abduction, and there is no police station in the country that is holding the reported abductees,” Kanja stated.
Despite these denials, the protests in Embu highlight growing public frustration and demand for accountability regarding the increasing cases of enforced disappearances.
