The East African Cartoonists’ Society (KATUNI) issued a strong condemnation of the abduction of Kenyan cartoonist Gideon Kibet, also known as Kibet Bull, and his brother, Ronnie Kibet.
The society, in a press statement released on December 27, 2024, described the act as “barbaric, retrogressive, and unlawful,” expressing concern that it is part of a broader trend of abductions targeting young social media users and activists.
“We strongly condemn this barbaric, retrogressive, and unlawful act,” said James Kamawira, the chairman of KATUNI.
The brothers went missing on Christmas Eve after meeting with Busia Senator Okiya Omtata in Nairobi.
The society also voiced its alarm over the disappearances of other individuals, including Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, and Bernard Kavuli, suggesting that these abductions are being carried out to suppress free speech and intimidate those critical of the government.
KATUNI criticized the National Police Service for its weak and non-credible denial of involvement in these abductions, denouncing the statement as insufficient and dismissive.
The society argued that such actions signal a dangerous return to a period of intense censorship, unlawful detentions, and violence against government critics, which Kenya has worked to move beyond in the past three decades under its progressive constitution.
Kamawira urged all Kenyans to take a stand against these violations of constitutional rights.
“We urge all Kenyans to raise their voices against this gross violation of the constitution and to hold accountable all those involved in these criminal acts,” he stated.
The statement from KATUNI comes at a time when public pressure is increasing on the government to address the alarming rise in abductions.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua recently held a press conference in his home county of Nyeri, where he called on President William Ruto to take immediate action to halt the ongoing kidnappings.
Gachagua even threatened to reveal those orchestrating the abductions if swift measures were not taken.
Similarly, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, during a visit to Homabay, also urged President Ruto to take urgent steps to address the situation, stressing that the ongoing abductions have sparked widespread fear and concern among the public.
In response to these calls, President Ruto assured citizens that his government is committed to ending the wave of abductions and emphasized the importance of responsibility and discipline, particularly among the youth and parents, in building a peaceful and law-abiding society.
Ruto Emphasizes The Role Of Parents In Nurturing And Supporting The Youth
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