Kenya is facing renewed condemnation over the rising cases of abductions and enforced disappearances, as three young activists—Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, and Bernard Kavuli—remain missing for the fourth straight day. The trio, reportedly abducted over the weekend, has yet to be accounted for by the authorities, leaving their families to endure a grim and uncertain Christmas Day.
The mysterious disappearances have sparked outrage, with opposition leader Rt. Hon. Raila Odinga leading calls for accountability. Speaking during a Christmas morning briefing, Odinga termed the abductions a “national embarrassment” and a dark reminder of Kenya’s history of suppressing dissent. “This is a betrayal of the democratic freedoms we fought so hard to secure. We demand the immediate release of these young men and an end to such barbaric practices,” he said.
The clergy has joined the chorus of condemnation, with Mombasa Catholic Archbishop Martin Kivuva urging the government to act swiftly. “These youths have families who deserve answers. The government must uphold the rule of law and release them without delay. Such actions undermine the sanctity of human life,” said Archbishop Kivuva during a Christmas Mass service.
Rights groups fear a systematic crackdown on anti-government activists, pointing to a pattern of intimidation and suppression of dissent. Human rights advocates have raised alarms over what they term “a chilling return to Kenya’s oppressive past,” where enforced disappearances, torture, and extrajudicial killings were used to silence critics.
The families of the missing activists, meanwhile, are enduring unimaginable agony. “We want to know where our sons are. They were taken, and no one is giving us answers,” lamented a distraught relative of one of the missing youths.
As the country celebrates Christmas, this troubling chapter has cast a shadow over the festivities, reigniting calls for justice and human rights protections. For many Kenyans, these disappearances are a stark reminder of how far the nation must go to protect its democratic ideals.
This story is developing. Channel 15 News will continue to provide updates.
