Kenyan Cartoonist Kibet Bull Abducted

Gideon Kibet, known as Kibet Bull, a prominent Kenyan cartoonist, university student, and social media influencer, has been reported missing, with fears of abduction growing. Kibet, widely recognized for his critical cartoons targeting Kenyan President William Ruto, was last seen on December 24, 2024. Disturbingly, his disappearance comes just four days after his brother also went missing under mysterious circumstances.

Kibet was last spotted visiting presidential aspirant Okiya Omtatah in Nairobi. Omtatah confirmed the meeting and disclosed that his security team observed Kibet being followed by a suspicious vehicle equipped with spy communication gadgets. In light of the security concerns, Omtatah arranged for his driver to drop Kibet off at the Kencom bus station, where he was expected to board a bus to his brother’s home in Kikuyu.

“Kibet visited my office on Tuesday, December 24, between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m.,” Omtatah shared. “He introduced himself and discussed potential opportunities to join my team. He also mentioned his scheduled departure to Israel on Friday, December 27, to pursue further studies at Tel Aviv University.”

Omtatah expressed strong suspicions that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) was involved in Kibet’s abduction, stating:
“As soon as Kibet arrived, my security team flagged a white Subaru trailing him, equipped with devices believed to intercept phone conversations. I firmly believe he was tracked and subsequently abducted.”

According to the Kenyan Times, Kibet’s disappearance is part of a troubling trend where individuals critical of President Ruto, particularly on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), have been targeted. Other notable cases include Bernard Kavuli, Billy Mwangi, and Peter Muteti, who remain missing after sharing content deemed disrespectful to the President.

These abductions have sparked widespread outrage, with condemnation pouring in from politicians, civil society organizations, and religious leaders.

Kibet Bull’s distinctive silhouette-style cartoons have served as a bold critique of political injustices, resonating with Kenyans who value freedom of expression. His disappearance highlights the increasing risks faced by artists and activists in the country.

As the calls for justice grow louder, Kibet Bull’s case underscores the urgent need to safeguard fundamental rights, including freedom of speech and safety for those daring to speak truth to power.