Men posing as police officers raided the home of government critic and cartoonist Gideon Kibet, popularly known as Kibet Bull, hours before his disappearance on Thursday, December 26. Kibet, who is popular on X for creating cartoons depicting politicians and other high-profile personnel in cartoon form. was abducted shortly after meeting Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah in Nairobi.
Kibet had been avoiding the city due to safety concerns, but his brother’s disappearance on Saturday forced him to travel from Nakuru to Nairobi.
His disappearance has sparked widespread outrage, with Kenyans and leaders demanding his immediate and unconditional release.
Raid by Armed Intruders
Before Kibet Bull disappeared, masked men claiming to be police officers, raided his residence in Green Valley Estate near Egerton University in Nakuru County.
Armed and determined, they broke into his house, but Kibet was not present.
The intruders also entered a neighbor’s home, but left empty-handed after realizing they had targeted the wrong property.
The incident was reported at Njoro Police Station under OB number 15/23/12/2024.
Meeting with Senator Okiya Omtatah
Kibet’s abduction occurred shortly after a meeting with Senator Okiya Omtatah at Taj Towers in Nairobi.
According to Omtatah, a suspicious white Subaru vehicle had trailed Kibet to the building and remained parked nearby during their discussion.
The Subaru, manned by two men and a lady, was mounted with suspected spy communication gadgets used to intercept phone conversations.
The senator disclosed that their meeting was to explore Kibet’s potential role in his presidential campaign team.
After the meeting, Omtatah arranged for his driver and a colleague to take Kibet to the Kencom bus stage, where he was supposed to board a matatu to Kikuyu.
“When I heard about his abduction, I reported it to the Upperhill Police Station because he left this house but never reached his destination,” he said.
Kibet was also preparing to leave for Israel on Friday, December 27, to pursue further studies at Tel Aviv University.
Omtatah added that, “I strongly believe that Mr. Kibet was tracked and abducted by officers from the DCI.”
DCI Denies Involvement
The DCI has denied any knowledge of the vehicle reportedly used in Kibet’s abduction. This denial has added to the growing uncertainty surrounding the case.
Kibet’s abduction is part of a troubling trend. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has reported 28 disappearances since protests began in June 2024.
Kibet is just but one of the latest victims.
Citizens and leaders alike are demanding accountability and action to ensure his safe return.
By Vivian K.