EMBU, Kenya – A wave of relief swept through the home of Gerald Karicha and Regina Wairimu early Monday morning as their son, Billy Mwangi, walked through the door, ending weeks of uncertainty and despair.
Mwangi, who was abducted on December 21, 2024, from a local barber shop, returned home on January 6, 2025, much to the joy and relief of his family.
“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,” said Karicha, speaking to the press on Monday afternoon.
Billy’s abduction from a local barber shop in Embu had gripped the nation, prompting public outcry and a court-mandated search for him and others who had gone missing under similar circumstances.
On December 31, Karicha, alongside other families, appeared in court after a Habeas Corpus order was issued, compelling security agencies to produce the missing individuals.
In a courtroom, Karicha broke down while recounting how his son was taken.
“He was about to get a haircut when the men arrived in a station wagon and a double-cabin pick-up truck, whisking him away,” Karicha recalled.
Billy was among six youths reportedly abducted after posting critical views of President William Ruto’s government on social media.
The incident has sparked a broader conversation about freedom of expression and human rights in the country.
On the same day as Billy’s return, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and Rony Kiplangat, also abducted in December 2024, were freed.
However, the family of cartoonist Gideon Kibet, alias Kibet Bull, remains in distress as they have not heard from him since his abduction on December 24, 2024.
His brother, Rony Kiplangat, has been reunited with his family, but the search for Kibet continues.
Steve Mbisi, another individual reported missing, is yet to be found, leaving his family and friends in anguish.
