Billy Mwangi showed up at 8.00 am, relieved father shares

Abducted at a barber shop on December 21, 2024, Mwangi returned to his home in Embu on Monday, January 6, 2025. 

“He came at around 8 am. He brought himself home. I was with his mum outside when we saw him. We thank God, all the people who have prayed with us and supported us,” Billy’s father Karicha told the press on Monday afternoon. 

The return of Billy comes as a relief to his parents, who had made headlines in their plea to see their son. 

On December 31, Karicha appeared in court after an Habeas Corpus order was issued requiring security bodies to produce the six abductees in court. 

Karicha broke down in court as he explained how his son was whisked away as he awaited to be shaved and bundled into a waiting car by the men who arrived in a station wagon and a double-cabin pick-up truck.

“The four men mishandled son and threw him in the car. I have no idea where he is, his phone went off immediately and we haven’t reached him since,” a teary Mr Mwangi told the court in Nairobi.

“I have come all the way from Embu expecting to see my son in court but he is not here. My wife has collapsed so many times of high blood pressure since our son disappeared. I can’t see my son… I thought he was here! I just pray I do not die of high blood pressure. Where is my son? Where have they taken him?” 

Billy was among 6 other youth abducted after making social media posts aimed at criticizing President William Ruto and his government. 

Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli and Rony Kiplangat, who had also been abducted in December 2024 were freed on Monday. 

The family of Gideon Kibet, alias Kibet Bull has reported that they are yet to hear from the cartoonist, who was abducted on December 24, 2024. Only Kibet’s brother, Rony Kiplangat has been re-united with his kin. 

Steve Mbisi, who has also been reported missing is yet to be found.