Former Law Society of Kenya (LSK) President Eric Theuri has revealed that the parent of one of the abducted social media influencers, Billy Mwangi, who was abducted in Embu on Saturday, December 21, is currently hospitalized.
In a statement, Theuri said that he spoke with Billy Mwangi’s father Gerald Mwangi, who expressed deep frustration and hopelessness in his voice.
According to the father, Billy’s mother is in the hospital due to the emotional distress caused by her son’s abduction.
“I have spoken with the father of Billy Mwangi. The frustration and hopelessness in his voice are heart-wrenching. He informs me that the mother is unwell and admitted to the hospital as a result of his abduction. I have assured him that we will petition the court for a write of habeas corpus. It’s the least we can do,” Theuri stated.
Billy Mwangi reportedly abducted in Embu
Billy Mwangi went missing on Saturday, December 21, in the afternoon after being forcibly taken from a barbershop.
Witnesses report that four masked, armed men abducted him, bundling him into a double-cabin pickup truck before speeding off towards the Embu-Nairobi Highway.
Since his abduction, Billy’s father has pleaded with President William Ruto, asking him to intervene if the government was involved in his son’s disappearance.
He expressed his willingness to discipline Billy if his actions were deemed wrong.
Reports suggest that Billy may have been abducted allegedly by police officers due to a social media post that some considered inappropriate.
“I want to plead that if it is the government that abducted this boy over this social media post, I beg our government— the same government we campaigned for until it won— to release him. Even I can discipline him; I will discipline him,” Gerald said in a mdeia interview.
Also Read: Police IG Clarifies Alleged Abductions of Kibet Bull & Three Others
Several social media users have reportedly gone missing due to the content they have been posting, which criticizes the Kenya Kwanza administration.
The missing influencers include Kibet Bull, Benard Kavuli, and Peter Muteti.
Their abductions have been widely condemned by many Kenyans, including political leaders, religious figures, civil society groups, and various institutions.
The Judiciary also released a statement denouncing these abductions and urged security agencies to protect citizens’ fundamental rights and freedoms.
Judiciary condemns ongoing abductions in the country
In the statement, the Judiciary affirmed that abductions have no place in law adding that they are a direct threat to the rights of citizens
“The Judiciary has taken note of recent reports regarding resurfaced abductions. Kenya is a constitutional democracy, where the rule of law is a foundational value and guiding principle of our governance. Abductions have no place in law and are a direct threat to the rights of citizens.
In light of these reports, we strongly urge security agencies and all related entities to adhere to the law in order to safeguard fundamental rights and freedoms,” the statement read.
On his part, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah called for the unconditional release of Kibet Bull, who went missing after meeting with him.
Also Read: Omtatah Reveals Details of Meeting with Kibet Bull Before Abduction
Omtatah believes Kibet is being held captive by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
He also called for the release of other social media users whose cases have received media attention.
Lawyer Ahmednasir Abdullahi also condemned the abductions of innocent Kenyans from the streets by security forces, describing them as completely unacceptable.
However, Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja reiterates that police are not involved in the wave of abductions within the country.
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