Manyatta member of parliament (MP) Gitonga Mukunji has shared the distressing details of what Billy Mwangi endured during his abduction. 

Speaking with Mwangi’s family on Monday January 6, 2024 shortly after his reunion with family, Mukunji revealed that a preliminary report indicates that whipping and food rationing were used as forms of mistreatment.

“The young man is seriously traumatized. He was whipped and confined to a dark room. While we were celebrating the Christmas holidays, this young man was locked away in an unknown place,” Mukunji said.

The MP also mentioned that Mwangi was subjected to extreme deprivation of food during his captivity. “I am told Billy was given only one meal a day, and it was portioned to make him feel helpless,” he added.

Condemning the unchecked abductions, Mukunji vowed to pursue legislative changes to ensure the safety of all Kenyans. 

“We are going to look at how we can change our laws to make sure that if such an incident occurs, the government takes swift action. Because one of us is all of us,” he said. 

He emphasized that Mwangi should be the last person to experience such an ordeal. “Let Billy be the last person to go through the suffering he has faced. Let his parents be the last ones to endure this pain,” Mukunji urged.

The MP reaffirmed his commitment to fighting against abductions and unlawful tactics aimed at instilling fear among residents. 

“Because Billy has not been charged, it is clear that these individuals wanted to instill fear, but we are even stronger. We will not allow lawlessness, government overreach, or ignorance of the rule of law,” he added. “We have emerged stronger as leaders with a conscience, and we will continue to fight for justice.”

Billy Mwangi was abducted on December 21, 2024, and returned home on January 6, 2025, after 16 days of captivity. 

His father, Gerald Karicha, expressed immense relief when he shared that his son walked into their compound at around 8 am. 

“He brought himself home. I was with his mum outside when we saw him. We thank God, and all the people who prayed for us and supported us,” Karicha told the press on Monday afternoon.

Billy was one of six youth abducted in December 2024 after posting critical messages about President William Ruto and the State on social media. Along with Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and Rony Kiplangat, who were also abducted, were released on Monday.

However, Gideon Kibet, also known as Kibet Bull, remains missing. His family reported that they are yet to hear from him after his abduction on December 24, 2024. Meanwhile, Rony Kiplangat has been reunited with his family.