Free but fearful: How life has changed for released abductees

Billy Mwangi and his Mother Regina Wairimu at their home in Majengo estate, Embu town, on January 7, 2024. [Muriithi Mugo, Standard] A cloud of fear, anxiety, and uncertainty has engulfed the homes of two abduction victims, who were released on Monday but are still grappling with the trauma of their ordeal. Despite their release, 24-year-old Billy Mwangi and Gideon Kibet, alias Kibet Bull, are reluctant to discuss the details of what they went through. The sight of concerned friends and relatives offers little comfort as an uneasy calm settles over their households. In Embu, Mwangi is still in shock after his harrowing experience at the hands of his captors. His home in Majengo Estate was a hub of activity, with friends and journalists visiting to hear a firsthand account of his ordeal. When The Standard visited Mwangi's home, both he and his mother, Regina Wairimu, were hesitant to open the door, and it was clear they were still processing the events that had unfolded. "We are not talking anymore. We just want to relax," Mwangi's mother said, though she agreed to escort her son for a brief interview after being convinced that our team had played a role in highlighting his son's plight. Uncomfortable with the idea of an interview outside their home, Mwangi and his mother led our team to a quiet corner in their compound, where they shared some light-hearted moments. Mwangi recounted how he had gone to a barber shop on Saturday, December 21, 2024, for a routine haircut when four men suddenly appeared, abducted him, and forced him into a double-cabin vehicle. "Four people appeared from nowhere, grabbed me, and threw me into a double-cabin. Before I could understand what was happening, they cut a piece from my shirt, blindfolded me, and after that, I lost track of what was happening," Mwangi said, pausing before continuing. He hesitated to provide further details, explaining that he had been threatened with further harm if he spoke out. "They told me they were watching me and following my speeches on news channels. If I said anything, they would come for me. Even the others who were abducted haven't spoken," he said. Upon his release, Mwangi found himself in an unfamiliar area in Nyeri at around 3am. He managed to board a matatu to Embu, where he arrived at his father's house by 8am. Mwangi expressed his gratitude to the Kenyans who rallied behind his family and used social media to advocate for his release. He revealed that his captors had confiscated his phone, leaving him offline. They had also shaved his hair, but he declined to discuss the specifics, saying he preferred to keep wearing a cap for now. "I want to disassociate myself from any posts on X under my name. I don't have a phone, and I'm not interested in being online right now," Mwangi said. Although he refused to disclose further details, close family friends mentioned that Mwangi bore physical marks from being stripped and forced to sleep on the floor. Sources also suggested he had been whipped during interrogations, where his captors questioned him about his social media connections and who was financing his activities. Mwangi's father, Gerald Karicha, expressed his relief that his son was alive and well. The family has planned a Thanksgiving service at the ACK Old Stadium Church in Embu town on Sunday. Mwangi's girlfriend, Lona Mwende, who has not yet seen him since his return, expressed her gratitude for his release. "There have been many friends visiting his home since yesterday, and I just want to give him time to rest," she said. Meanwhile, Gideon Kibet, alias Kibet Bull, a former student at Egerton University, and his brother Rony Kiplangat were reunited with their family in Kuresoi, Nakuru County, after being held captive for 15 days. Not staged Kibet arrived in Njoro on Monday evening after being released by his abductors, who dumped him on a road in Luanda, Vihiga County, in the early hours of the morning. "I was left in a deserted area of the road between 3am and 4 am. I walked for a bit, then realised I was in Luanda. I found a safe place until dawn and then began my journey home," Kibet recalled. He dismissed rumours that their abduction had been staged. "Abduction is real. I urge the government to follow the law. If someone has done something wrong, let them be charged in court," said Kibet. Kibet also expressed concern that his parents might consider him a disappointment. "I called my parents after I was freed. They were happy to hear from me again. I am ready to meet them and I hope they will be happy to see me and not be disappointed in me," he said. His mother, Caroline Mutai, was overjoyed when she finally saw her sons return home. Peter Wira, one of Kibet's neighbours, recounted how individuals suspected to be the abductors had been asking around about Kibet's whereabouts days before he went missing. "Unknown people had come to our flats and inquired about Kibet. It wasn't until he went missing that we connected the dots and realised they had been scouting his house," Wira said. He called on the government to take decisive action to end abductions, stressing that Kenyans expect their safety to be guaranteed. "We urge the government to ensure such incidents are stopped. The public demands the protection of their rights and their security," Wira added.

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Free but fearful: How life has changed for released abductees

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