Embu town was filled with joy as tens of residents gathered to celebrate the safe return of 24-year-old college student Billy Munyiri Mwangi.
His return marked the end of a frightening 16-day ordeal after he was kidnapped by four hooded men in broad daylight on December 21, 2024.
The crowd was energized, chanting, “Welcome home, Billy!” as they filled the streets of Embu in celebration.
Manyatta Member of Parliament (MP) Gitonga Mukunji was among those leading the celebrations. Speaking to the crowd, he shared distressing details of Billy’s captivity. “Billy is deeply traumatized; he was whipped and kept in a dark room,” Mukunji said, his voice filled with both anger and sympathy.
The MP strongly condemned the abduction, calling it a violation of justice.
“We strongly condemn what happened to Billy. The law is clear on handling crimes, and these kidnappings must stop,” he declared.
Billy’s disappearance had sparked protests in Embu, with residents demanding action from authorities. The sudden abduction from a local barbershop had stirred fears of a return to dark times when such disappearances were common.
As the celebrations continued, the community vowed to prevent such incidents from happening again. MP Mukunji promised to push for laws that would protect citizens and stop these illegal acts.
“Let Billy be the last to suffer like this,” he urged the crowd.
Billy’s safe return has brought his family back together and strengthened the community’s resolve to fight for justice and human rights. As Embu town celebrates, the call for accountability and the protection of civil liberties grows stronger.
