Digital cartoonist Gideon Kibet, alias Kibet Bull, has urged the government to respect the freedom of speech or apply the rule of law to handle criticism.
Kibet, known for his viral caricatured silhouettes of President William Ruto, was freed by his abductors on January 6 after being abducted in Nairobi on December 24, 2024.
Narrating his ordeal on Monday evening, Kibet said that he was dropped off at Luanda in Vihiga County in the wee hours of Monday morning and opted to seek a temporary aboard as he planned for his journey back home.
“At around 3 or 4 am I found myself about 5 kilometers from Luanda and I found a place to stay for my safety,” he told NTV.
Kibet said he plans to tone down his social media activity as he recovers from his 13-day abduction.
However remaining cagey about what he was subjected to, he urged the government to desist from using abductions to tame those criticizing the state and uphold the law.
“Abduction is real, all I can urge the government to do is to allow freedom of speech or they use the rule of law to prosecute someone,” he added.
Kibet also announced his release through his X account, revealing that shortly after being dumped in Luanda, he reportedly attended a local “disco matanga” (overnight funeral dance) before booking a bus ticket home.
His release marked the fifth case of missing persons suddenly reappearing in different parts of the country, raising questions about the ongoing abductions.
Kibet’s brother Ronny Kiplangat and other abductees Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti and Bernard Kavuli reported contact with their loved ones.
Citizen Digital established that Kiplangat, abducted in Nairobi, was found in Machakos County, while Kavuli, abducted in Ngong, was discovered in Kitale.
The spate of abductions has sparked public uproar as many called for immediate action from President Ruto and the state.
Amid claims that the police are behind the incidents, the National Police Service (NPS) distanced itself noting that none of its officers have been involved.
Similarly, President Ruto distanced himself from the matter, demanding a report from the Inspector General of Police and the NPS on the abductions.
