Kenyatta University Student Found Dead After Disappearing for Days

The mysterious disappearance of cartoonist Gideon Kibet, popularly known as "Kibet Bull," has sparked widespread concern and raised questions about the safety of government critics in Kenya. 

Kibet, a 24-year-old student at Egerton University, gained significant attention for his bold and controversial depictions of President William Ruto. 

These satirical graphics, which were shared with his over 86,000 followers on X (formerly Twitter), often ridiculed the president in various caricatures. 

His artwork stirred public debate, drawing admiration from many but angering others, particularly state officials.

On December 25, 2024, Kibet was reported missing, just a day after he was allegedly abducted by unidentified individuals in Kikuyu on December 24. 

The cartoonist had traveled to Nairobi for an event organized by activist Okiya Omtatah, but after the function, he went to inquire about the whereabouts of his brother, Ronny Langat, who had also disappeared earlier. 

Kibet’s family had already reported Langat missing to the Thogoto Police Station. 

The timing of Kibet’s abduction has raised suspicions that his critical art may have played a role in his disappearance.

Kibet’s case is not an isolated incident. His disappearance follows a worrying trend in which social media users, particularly those critical of the government, have gone missing under mysterious circumstances. 

Just days before Kibet, two other young men, Peter Muteti and Bernard Kivuli, were abducted for allegedly posting content deemed offensive by the authorities. 

This pattern of abductions has sparked outrage on social media, with many demanding the safe return of those taken and calling for an end to the crackdown on free expression.

The Kenyan government, however, has not officially confirmed its involvement in these disappearances. 

Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo recently downplayed any government pursuit of Kibet, suggesting that the young artist’s creativity could be better utilized in a way that generates income without offending anyone. 

Despite this, Kibet’s family and supporters remain worried, fearing that the growing trend of abductions signals an attempt to stifle dissent and suppress freedom of speech.