Vocal social media user and government critic Bernard Kavuli has expressed his gratitude to Kenyans for standing by him following his abduction ordeal.
The 24-year-old was reported missing on December 22, 2024, after a suspected kidnapping by four armed men at a petrol station in Ngong Town.
In a statement shared on his X account on Saturday, January 11, 2025, Kavuli thanked Kenyans for their support during his harrowing experience.
“Fellow Kenyans. Words cannot fully express the depth of my gratitude for the unwavering support and strength you’ve shown during my time of crisis. In the darkest moments, when fear and uncertainty seemed overwhelming, you were my light, my rock, and my lifeline. I’ll be eternally grateful. Ahsanteni sana wakenya,” Kavuli stated.
Kavuli’s disappearance was linked to his social media activities, where he frequently criticized the government and highlighted sensitive issues, including the 2007 post-election violence in Kenya.
After being missing for over two weeks, Kavuli was found on January 6, 2025, in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County.
Abductions
Bernard Kavuli is one of six people who were abducted in December 2024. Like him, Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, cartoonist Kibet Bull, and Rony Kiplang’at have all returned home and been reunited with their families.
However, Steve Mbisi remains missing, and his whereabouts are still unknown.
Billy Mwangi recounted his abduction ordeal after being released on Monday, January 6, 2025. He revealed he was abducted on Saturday, December 21, 2024, after leaving a barber shop. A white double-cabin vehicle approached, and its occupants bundled him inside.
Blindfolded and taken to an unknown location, Billy recalled being strangely shaved without his awareness due to fear. After 15 days, he was released in Nyeri, from where he travelled back to his parent’s home in Embu.
“I was shaved. I don’t know when it was done because I was scared and didn’t know anything happening around me at the time,” he revealed.
“I would love to thank my dad who has been up and down in court to ensure the son is released,” Mwangi said.
Adding;
“It is good to criticize the government on small things but let them not go to extreme things that can lead you into trouble,” he advised
