Kenyatta University Student Found Dead After Disappearing for Days

In a heartbreaking scene at the Nairobi High Court on Tuesday, Gerald Mwangi, the father of 24-year-old Billy Mwangi, broke down in tears as he pleaded for the return of his son, who was abducted in Embu on December 21.

Billy, a college student, was taken by a group of four hooded men while he was waiting to be shaved at a barber shop.

His father’s emotional outburst has drawn attention to the growing concern over abductions and the involvement of law enforcement in such cases.

According to Gerald, his son was forcibly bundled into a waiting car by the abductors, who arrived in a station wagon and a double-cabin pick-up truck.

The family lost contact with Billy immediately after the incident, and his phone was switched off, further adding to their distress.

Gerald, who traveled all the way from Embu to Nairobi in search of answers, addressed the court in a tearful appeal.

"I have come all the way from Embu expecting to see my son in court, but he is not here," he said.

"My wife has collapsed several times due to high blood pressure since our son disappeared. I can’t see my son. Where is my son? Where have they taken him?"

Billy’s abduction is part of a disturbing pattern of disappearances linked to law enforcement, with at least five other individuals also reported missing in similar circumstances.

Gerald’s plea echoes the fears of many families who have lost loved ones under mysterious circumstances, prompting public outcry over the role of police in such abductions.

The case of Billy Mwangi, along with the other victims, prompted a Habeas Corpus petition filed by their families in an attempt to find the missing individuals.

On Monday, the High Court issued an order demanding that the six victims be produced in court by 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday unless authorities could provide a valid reason for their detention.

Additionally, a conservatory order was issued, preventing the police from charging or prosecuting the victims without the court’s approval.

The Inspector-General of Police, Douglas Kanja, was summoned to court to explain the whereabouts of the abducted individuals.

However, the court session on Tuesday did not bring the expected results. Instead of the Inspector-General’s presence, a representative was sent to court.

None of the abducted individuals were brought to court as ordered. Senior Counsel Martha Karua, one of the lawyers representing the victims, expressed her frustration.

"A Habeas Corpus is a very urgent application, and it is surprising that the respondents would request seven more days to respond," she said.

"The question is simple: do you have them? If so, produce them. It is the duty of the security agents to know."

Gerald’s anguish represents the pain of many families whose loved ones have gone missing under questionable circumstances.

As he sobbed in court, his plea for answers highlighted the emotional toll that abductions are taking on families across Kenya.

"I just pray I do not die of high blood pressure. Where is my son? Where have they taken him?" he asked, his voice breaking.

The case is set to be heard again on January 8, 2025, with the court ordering that if the abducted individuals are found, they be produced before the nearest High Court.