In another troubling case of abduction, a family in Ngong, Kajiado County, is living in fear following the kidnapping of 24-year-old Benard Kavuli. The fourth-year Journalism student at Mount Kenya University (MKU) was seized on Sunday evening at a petrol station in Ngong town by four armed men. This incident has sparked public outrage, with many connecting it to his recent social media activities.
Abduction Linked to Social Media Posts
Kavuli had been vocal on his X (formerly Twitter) platform, where he frequently criticized the government. His latest posts delved into sensitive topics, including issues related to the 2007 post-election violence (PEV) that shook Kenya. This has raised speculation about whether his online activism could have led to his abduction.
Citizen TV obtained exclusive CCTV footage showing the chilling moment of Kavuli’s kidnapping. The footage reveals a white Probox entering the petrol station while Kavuli, unaware of the impending danger, walked nearby. Within seconds, two men grabbed him, forcing him into the vehicle before it sped off towards Nairobi.
“I last talked to him on Sunday around 6:40 PM. I called him from home to come to Ngong, and he agreed. When it was 7 PM and I couldn’t see him, I became worried,” said Mary Kavuli, his sister.
Mary recounted how her calls to Kavuli went unanswered after his phone was switched off. Sensing trouble, she alerted family and friends. “We couldn’t sleep that night. Early the next morning, we headed to Rubis where we confirmed it was him. We went to the DCI, who asked us to check the CCTV footage,” she added.
Another sister, Scola Mwende, noted that the area OCS had been informed of the incident, adding that the car’s number plate was KCA 379R. “We have been in despair since Sunday. We don’t know who took him. We can’t celebrate Christmas. Our mum has become ill because of this,” she said.
Kavuli’s abduction is not an isolated case. Just a day earlier, Peter Muteti and Billy Mwangi were kidnapped in a similar fashion by four armed men in Uthiru and Embu, respectively. Muteti’s abduction was also captured on CCTV, showing two men grabbing him as he paid for items at a supermarket. The 22-year-old remains missing.
These cases have reignited concerns over a disturbing trend of enforced disappearances in Kenya. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has strongly condemned the abductions, accusing the police of violating human rights. LSK President Faith Odhiambo stated, “We demand that police officers desist from absurd, repressive tactics witnessed in 2024. Those abducted must be released immediately or arraigned to face charges if any exist.”
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Political Reactions
Opposition leader Raila Odinga has also weighed in, terming the ongoing abductions an embarrassment to the nation. “These incidents reflect poorly on our country’s commitment to justice and human rights. Such primitive acts must stop immediately,” Odinga remarked. His sentiments echo growing public frustration with what many perceive as a return to oppressive state tactics.
Kenya has a grim history of enforced disappearances, often linked to security operations. Families of victims are left in anguish, grappling with unanswered questions. The pattern of targeting individuals critical of the government or involved in activism raises serious concerns about freedom of expression and the rule of law.
In previous high-profile cases, individuals have been abducted only to resurface days or weeks later—if at all. The lack of accountability and transparency in investigations has fueled a climate of fear and mistrust.
As news of Kavuli’s abduction spreads, Kenyans have taken to social media to express their outrage. Many have called for thorough investigations and the immediate release of the victims. Activists and civil society groups have also joined the chorus of condemnation, urging the government to uphold human rights.
The abductions highlight the need for stronger measures to protect citizens and address the root causes of these incidents. The government must demonstrate its commitment to justice by conducting impartial investigations and holding those responsible accountable.
For Kavuli’s family and others affected by similar tragedies, the road to justice remains uncertain. As the nation watches, the pressure mounts on authorities to ensure the safe return of those abducted and to prevent such incidents in the future.
These cases serve as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding freedom of expression and the right to dissent in a democratic society. The government must act decisively to restore public confidence and uphold the rule of law.
