Kenyan activist Muteti Mulinge is receiving medical treatment after being found alive in the Lukenya area of Athi River. He had been missing for four days and was reportedly dumped there on Thursday night by his abductors. Mulinge's family is demanding answers as serious questions about a rising trend of targeted abductions emerge. His condition is critical, with physical and emotional wounds.
Mulinge recounted his horrifying ordeal at the hands of unknown men who abducted him during protests in Nairobi demanding the release of Ugandan opposition leader Dr. Kizza Besigye. He claims he was subjected to severe torture, physical abuse, and starvation throughout his four days in captivity. His abductors also shaved off his hair before dumping him by the roadside in Lukenya under the cover of darkness.
Mulinge described his abduction, saying he was trailed from his home and abducted while going to print documents for a petition. He was blindfolded and did not know where he was being taken. His abductors asked him why he was interfering with the government, and he was beaten, his feet burned, and starved. Mulinge was left weak and unable to walk after being dumped.
Family Lawyer Dan Maanzo stated that the aim of dumping Mulinge in Lukenya was for hyenas to attack him, and that this was a government-sponsored act. The family is demanding that President Ruto stop this trend of targeted abductions. Meanwhile, another human rights defender, Collins Otieno, remains missing, and his family is fearing the worst.
Collins Otieno vanished shortly after visiting a police station to report Mulinge's initial disappearance. Vocal Africa Director Hussein Khalid stated that they will continue to put pressure on the State to release Collins, who they believe is in custody. Mulinge's injuries, including those on his feet and head, and his memory loss, are evidence of the brutal treatment he suffered.
Mulinge's family is urging President Ruto to stop the trend of targeted abductions. His sister, Gloria Mwende, expressed gratitude that Mulinge is safe but in critical condition. The family is also issuing an urgent plea to the authorities for the immediate release and safe return of Collins Otieno.
The incident has raised concerns about the rising trend of targeted abductions in Kenya. Mulinge's ordeal is a testament to the risks faced by human rights defenders and activists in the country. The authorities have not commented on the incident, but human rights groups are calling for action to be taken to protect activists and ensure their safety.
Key points
- Activist Muteti Mulinge was abducted and tortured for four days by unknown men.
- Mulinge's family is demanding answers from President Ruto about the abduction.
- Another human rights defender, Collins Otieno, remains missing.
