Cartoonist Kibet Bull breaks silence after abduction ordeal
Despite his reluctance to share specifics, Kibet pointed out the seriousness of his experience.
Gideon Kibet, popularly known as Kibet Bull, has broken his silence following his release from his alleged abduction two-weeks ago.
Kibet, a cartoonist whose satirical art about President William Ruto has gained attention, says he is safe and unharmed.
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Speaking to the media on Monday night, Kibet revealed he was abandoned in Luanda in the early hours of the morning.
"I was dropped at a place I did not know at first. I walked and noticed I was in Luanda. I decided to wait somewhere until morning before making my journey home," he said.
Luanda is nearly 300 kilometres from Nakuru, where the artist is based. When asked about his condition, Kibet said he had no injuries.
"I have no injuries on my body except for exhaustion." However, he avoided discussing the details of his alleged abduction. "For now I cannot speak much about the abduction. I just want to be with my family," he said.
Despite his reluctance to share specifics, Kibet pointed out the seriousness of his experience.
Kibet Bull: I want to confirm to Kenyans that am safe, I thank Kenyans for pushing for freedom pic.twitter.com/TDrk5pDqAQ
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) January 7, 2025
Freedom of speech
"Abduction is real; I can confirm that," he said. He also called on the government to uphold freedom of speech and address grievances lawfully. "I am urging the government to respect the freedom of speech and take people to court," he added.
Kibet disclosed that his brother, Ronny Kiplagat, who was also abducted, is safe and staying with friends in Nairobi.
"Ronny is safe in Nairobi with friends," he confirmed.
The brothers' mysterious disappearances sparked public concern.
Kiplagat was reportedly taken on December 21, 2024, after attending a church service at the Kikuyu Seventh Day Adventist Church, where he serves as a youth leader.
Four days later, on Christmas Day, Kibet was said to have been abducted after visiting the office of Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah in Nairobi.
Kibet, known by his online alias "Yoko" on X, has gained prominence for his critical illustrations targeting government policies.
Following his release, his first action was to post a tweet, though he now says he plans to limit his online activities.
Before the incident, Kibet was preparing to join a group of young people travelling to Israel for further studies on December 27, 2024.
He now says he will confirm within a week whether or not he will proceed with the programme.
