Social media influencers Peter Muteti and Billy Mwangi, who were abducted on December 21, 2024, have been reunited with their families after weeks of uncertainty.
Muteti was taken from Uthiru, Nairobi County, outside an Mpesa shop in an incident caught on CCTV. Two men accosted him and forced him into a waiting vehicle. Meanwhile, Mwangi was abducted the same day in Embu County while getting a haircut at a barbershop.
Muteti’s family confirmed his release on Monday, January 6, noting he was safe but disoriented. Similarly, Mwangi returned home to his family in Majengo Estate, Embu Town, early Monday morning. Both families expressed relief but shared that the duo has yet to reveal details of their experience during their disappearance.
Mwangi’s father, who previously broke down in court on December 31, recounted the chilling details of the abduction. He disclosed that a white Toyota Fielder had been surveilling their neighborhood for three days before his son was taken. The vehicle was reportedly used in the abduction.
The releases follow weeks of mounting public and political pressure. On December 30, the High Court ordered the immediate and unconditional release of six individuals abducted under similar circumstances. Justice Bahati Mwamuye directed top security agencies, including the Inspector-General of Police, the National Police Service (NPS), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the National Intelligence Service (NIS), to ensure their freedom.
Among those released alongside Muteti and Mwangi were Bernard Kavuli and Rony Kiplangat, whose cases had drawn similar public outrage.
The ordeal highlights increasing concerns over enforced disappearances in Kenya, with calls for accountability and justice growing louder. While the families are relieved to have their loved ones back, the incident has left lingering questions about their abduction and the systemic issues behind such cases.
