In 2024, a series of abductions sent shockwaves across the nation, with law enforcement officers being accused of involvement in some of the incidents.
The disappearances sparked a social media outcry as netizens demanded the release of the missing individuals, many of whom vanished during anti-government protests.
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja revealed on November 14 that 29 people were still unaccounted for.
Nairobileo.co.ke takes a closer look at five abductions that dominated headlines and fueled online activism.
Crazy Nairobian abduction
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Renowned blogger Billy Simani, alias Crazy Nairobian, was abducted on July 21, 2024, in the heat of the anti-government protests.
His disappearance ignited social media, with several netizens calling for his release.
However, a day later, the influencer was released. He did not disclose the details of the ordeal.
The X influencer took to his official account to announce his release, even as he thanked the Law Society of Kenya President Faith Odhiambo for her intervention.
Gabriel Oguda
On Tuesday morning, June 25, 2024, Gabriel Oguda, a policy analyst and social media commentator, was reportedly abducted in Nairobi.
During a parliamentary session that day, then National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi, who Oguda worked in his office, claimed the abduction occurred at 2:20 a.m.
He raised concerns over the incident, prompting National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula to direct House Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah to engage with the Inspector General of Police for immediate action.
The abduction sparked outrage on social media, with the hashtag #FreeOguda trending on X as Kenyans demanded his release.
However, Oguda was freed the following day.
Macharia Gaitho
On Wednesday, July 17, 2024, veteran journalist Macharia Gaitho was abducted at Karen Police Station.
The journalist revealed that he had driven to the station after noticing that an unknown vehicle was trailing him.
In a video seen by Nairobiloe.co.ke, Gaitho was bundled into a white Probox vehicle inside the police station by individuals in civilian clothes as a couple of police officers in uniform stood by and watched.
Police later issued a statement clarifying that Gaitho had been arrested in a case of mistaken identity. They explained that they were looking for blogger Francis Gaitho and expressed regret over the incident.
Recounting the ordeal following his release, Gaitho revealed that he was sandwiched between two men after being forced into a Toyota Probox.
He said he was driven to Lang’ata Road, where the men informed him that it was a case of mistaken identity and told him he was free to leave.
Turkish nationals abduction
On October 18, 2024, four Turkish nationals were abducted by armed gunmen in Nairobi.
The four were allegedly abducted by operatives linked to Turkish intelligence.
The victims were believed to be asylum seekers connected to the Gülen Movement, opposing President Erdoğan's regime.
However, days after their abduction, the government disclosed that the four were repatriated.
In a statement on Monday, October 21, Foreign Affairs Principal Secretary Korir Sing’oei said the four who had been living in Kenya as refugees were repatriated at the request of the Turkish government.
The incident attracted reactions from local and international rights bodies which called on the Kenyan government to ensure the safety of the four and uphold international refugee laws.
Kizza Besigye abduction
The Ugandan opposition leader Kizza Besigye was kidnapped on Saturday, November 16, in Nairobi, according to his wife.
Winnie Byanyima said Besigye was abducted while in Nairobi for NARC party leader Martha Karua's book launch and was taken to a military jail in Uganda.
On November 20, Besigye spoke to the media at the location he was being held noting that he had not been in contact with anybody.
He was later presented to a military court and charged with allegedly being in possession of a firearm in Kenya.
Later, Karua, who wanted to represent Besigye in court, explained that she could not do it because she had not obtained a special practicing certificate.
The incident attracted global attention and condemnation.
