Following the release of his son after being abducted on December 21, Billy Mwangi’s father, Gerald Karicha, has broken his silence.
In a media interview on Monday, he stated that his son had walked home at around 8:00 am and appeared physically fine.
As to where he had been, however, he explained that they had set aside that discussion for later and were currently rejoicing in their son’s safe return.
“Our son is here, and he is okay. We are yet to recover from the happiness because it was really traumatising, but now that he has come back, we have to put all the other issues behind us,” he said.
24-year-old Billy Mwangi embraced by his mother after weeks of alleged disappearance.
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Larry Madowo
He went on to express his gratitude to all who prayed for the safe return of Mwangi, including the church and the entire community of Embu.
After his mysterious disappearance, activists and Kenyans across the country rallied together to call for his release along with five others who disappeared days before Christmas.
Among those vocal about his release was Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji who threatened to stage demonstrations if his constituent was not released safe and sound, a promise he kept on December 27 when protestors paralysed activities in Embu.
Speaking on Monday after Mwangi’s release, the MP revealed that Mwangi had suffered torture during his captivity and was traumatised as a result. He has since been taken to hospital for check-up and treatment.
“Preliminary reports indicate that the young man is seriously traumatised, he has been whipped, and he was kept in a dark room,” MP Mukunji said.
“I want to say that even though Billy has been found, let him be the last person to endure the ordeal he has gone through. Let Billy’s parents be the last people to experience such an ordeal.”
The lawmaker also called for changes in the law to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
“Let me reiterate that the law is very clear on how individuals who break the law are to be treated, and because Billy has not been charged, it means that these people merely intended to instil fear in us,” he added.
“We will not tolerate lawlessness, government overreach, or practices that undermine the Constitution of Kenya.”
On Monday, December 6, Mwangi alongside three other abductees; Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and Roney Kiplagat were released ahead of the #EndAbductionsKe protests. Two more, including X cartoonist, Kibet Bull, and Steve Mbisi are yet to be recovered.
Mwangi had disappeared after posting AI-generating images of President William Ruto.
Billy Mwangi with his family after release (left) and Peter Muteti.
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Courtesy