In a chilling turn of events, allegations of abductions and extrajudicial violence have gripped Kenya, sparking public outrage and raising questions about the state’s ability—or willingness—to protect its citizens. The disappearance of three individuals, reportedly linked to their criticism of President William Ruto through AI-generated imagery shared online, has thrust the nation into a heated debate over human rights, freedom of speech, and government accountability.
The Missing Trio: A Pattern of Disappearances?
Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, and Bernard Kavuli have become the faces of what many are calling an escalating human rights crisis in Kenya. Their abductions, carried out under eerily similar circumstances, have left their families and human rights activists demanding answers.
- Billy Mwangi was taken in Embu County while at a local barber shop. Eyewitnesses recount that four masked men, armed and threatening, stormed the premises and forced Mwangi into a waiting pickup truck. His family links his disappearance to a social media post featuring an AI-generated image of President Ruto, a post that quickly went viral.
- Peter Muteti, similarly, was abducted in Uthiru, Nairobi. Witnesses claim he was cornered by armed individuals who appeared to be well-trained, fueling suspicions of a coordinated effort. Like Mwangi, Muteti had also posted an AI-generated image critical of the President.
- Bernard Kavuli was taken in Ngong town at a petrol station, marking the most publicized abduction of the three. His social media activities were reportedly centered around criticism of the government, particularly revisiting sensitive topics like the 2007 post-election violence—a contentious chapter in Kenya’s history.
A Public Call to Arms?
Morara Kebaso, leader of the INJECT Party and a vocal political activist, has not minced words in condemning the government for its apparent failure to protect its citizens. In a fiery statement on his X account, Kebaso accused the administration of turning a blind eye to abductions and extrajudicial violence.
“The government cannot protect you from abduction, torture, and extrajudicial execution. Are you ready to protect yourself by all means necessary? All sellers of self-defence tools, reduce your prices urgently,” Kebaso declared, a statement that has ignited a debate on whether Kenyans should take security into their own hands.
While Kebaso’s remarks resonate with a growing number of Kenyans frustrated by perceived government inaction, they have also drawn criticism for potentially inciting vigilante justice.
Human Rights Groups Speak Out
The disappearances have mobilized human rights organizations, both local and international, to call for immediate investigations. Amnesty International Kenya and the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) have issued joint statements condemning the abductions as blatant violations of human rights and urging the government to act swiftly.
“The growing trend of enforced disappearances is deeply alarming. The state has a constitutional duty to protect the lives and freedoms of its citizens, including the right to free expression. These cases demand urgent attention and accountability,” the statement read.
The KHRC has also raised concerns over the potential misuse of advanced technology, such as AI, to stifle dissent, warning of a slippery slope into authoritarianism.
Government Denial: The Inspector General Speaks
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has categorically denied any involvement by law enforcement in the abductions, dismissing the allegations as unfounded. In a strongly worded statement, Kanja reiterated that the role of the National Police Service is limited to lawful arrests and not abductions.
“The National Police Service is deeply concerned with the ongoing allegations that police officers are involved in abductions of persons in Kenya. For clarity, the constitutional mandate of the National Police Service is not to abduct but to arrest criminal offenders,” Kanja said.
Kanja’s remarks, however, have done little to quell public anger. Critics argue that his statement lacks substance, pointing out the absence of any concrete steps or timelines for investigating the disappearances.
Free Speech Under Threat?
The disappearances have sparked a wider conversation about the state of free speech in Kenya. Social media, once a platform for robust political discourse, is increasingly becoming a battleground.
The abductions linked to AI-generated imagery critical of the government have raised concerns over how far authorities might go to suppress dissent. Critics argue that the use of AI tools to express dissent is not a crime and that targeting individuals for their online activities represents a gross abuse of power.
“It’s not just about these three individuals. This is about every Kenyan who dares to speak out. The message being sent is clear: dissent will not be tolerated,” said Maina Kiai, a prominent human rights activist.
Public Outrage and Protests
The public reaction to the disappearances has been swift and fierce. Protests have erupted in various parts of the country, with citizens demanding the safe return of the missing individuals and accountability from the government.
In Nairobi, demonstrators marched to the National Police Service headquarters, holding placards with messages such as “Stop the Abductions” and “Free Speech is Not a Crime.”
Social media platforms have also been inundated with calls for justice, with the hashtag #BringBackOurPeople trending nationwide.
The Role of AI in Political Activism
The controversy surrounding AI-generated imagery has added a new dimension to political activism in Kenya. While AI offers innovative ways to critique and hold leaders accountable, it also raises questions about its potential misuse.
Experts warn that governments could exploit AI to track and suppress dissent, while activists see it as a powerful tool to amplify marginalized voices. The debate over AI’s role in politics is likely to intensify as technology continues to evolve.
What’s Next?
As pressure mounts on the government to address these abductions, all eyes are on President Ruto and his administration. Will they act decisively to ensure justice, or will public skepticism deepen?
For now, the fate of Mwangi, Muteti, and Kavuli remains unknown, a haunting reminder of the high stakes involved in standing up to authority in Kenya.
As the nation grapples with these challenges, one thing is clear: the fight for justice and free expression is far from over.
