The Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader, Eugene Wamalwa has urged Kenyans to come together in prayer for the safe return of recently abducted youths.
This appeal comes against a backdrop of growing concern over targeted abductions, particularly involving outspoken critics of the government on social media.
On Sunday, January 5, 2025, Wamalwa took to his X account to express his concern for the victims and their families.
“Pray My Beloved Country on this first Sunday of the year for an end to abductions and [the] safe return of @Kibet_bull and his fellow abductees to their families on or before 8th January 2025 as ordered by the Court,” he wrote.
The opposition leader also extended his prayers to the families of other victims who have tragically lost their lives. He referenced young Kenyans such as Ibrahim Hilal Mwiti, whose body was found following his disappearance.
“Pray also for the families of the other young Kenyan abductees Ibrahim Hilal Mwiti and others who were found dead, that their souls may rest in peace but their abductors and tormentors may never know peace until this bruto regime and all its agents responsible for the abduction, enforced disappearances and extra-judicial killings are brought to justice,” he added.
Pray My Beloved Country on this first Sunday of the year for an end to abductions and safe return of @Kibet_bull and his fellow abductees to their families on or before 8th January 2025 as ordered by the Court.
— Eugene L. Wamalwa (@EugeneLWamalwa) January 5, 2025
Pray also for the families of the other young Kenyan abductees…
Wamalwa’s remarks come amidst a spate of reported abductions in Kenya. The victims are mostly youths who have been vocal in their criticism of the government through social media platforms. Many of these cases remain unresolved and have fueled fear among the public.
On December 30, 2024, the High Court intervened and ordered the release of 6 individuals; Gideon Kibet, Peter Muteti, Rony Kiplagat, Bernard Kavuli, Billy Mwangi and Steve Kavingo who were reportedly abducted.
However, the families and friends of the victims are left grappling with uncertainty as the victims are yet to be released.
Wamalwa on Ruto’s resignation
Wamalwa recently intensified criticism of President William Ruto, urging him to take responsibility for the rising cases of abductions and calling for his resignation.
Wamalwa expressed solidarity with the family of Billy Mwangi, one of the missing persons from Embu, and commended the county for leading protests against the abductions. He announced plans for nationwide demonstrations on Wednesday, January 8, 2025, if Mwangi and others are not presented in court as ordered.
“My thoughts and prayers are with the family and the people of Embu, who have also borne the brunt of abductions and have led the nation in protests against this tyranny and in calling for the release of Billy Mwangi and all abductees,” Wamalwa stated on X.
He emphasized that the responsibility lies with President Ruto and his administration.
“The buck stops with President William Ruto and his broad-based government, whose cardinal duty is to protect life and property, failing which they have no business calling themselves a government,” he added.
Wamalwa also criticized pro-government leaders for spreading propaganda and linking opposition figures to the abductions.
“In the meantime, they should stop trivializing the abduction issue by cheap propaganda accusing Rigathi Gachagua and the opposition or even the families of abducting their own children!” he remarked.
