Following criticism after attending a Disco Matanga shortly after being released by his abductors in Luanda, cartoonist Kibet Bull took to social media to clarify his actions.
Kibet explained that he had sought help from three households without success, which left him frustrated. He recounted how the sound system from the Disco Matanga drew him in, and he decided to seek solace there until morning.
“Government bloggers are using the Disco Matanga thing to push a narrative. Knocked on three houses to tell them about the incident but didn’t get a response; the other had fierce dogs,” Kibet narrated on X.
“Went to sit somewhere but saw unsafe, I then heard the sound system. I saw it could be helpful to attend and relax waiting for morning. I also wanted to stay away from the highway. Was just worried they could come back to check if I’m gone.”
After his release early Monday morning between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m., Kibet disclosed on X that he passed time at the Disco Matanga until 6 a.m. before booking a ticket, a revelation that sparked backlash from some social media users and politicians.
“They dropped me in Luanda, Vihiga, between 3 am and 4 am today. I didn’t know where to enter or book a room. Then the idea of a Disco Matanga came up, and I danced until 6 am when I went to book a ticket,” his post read.
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This explanation follows criticism from Belgut MP Nelson Koech, who questioned the plausibility of Kibet’s account. “How do you party after you have been abducted? Where do you get the energy? How do you look so clean-shaven, still have money, and still go and afford a beer?” MP Koech asked.
Kibet was one of five individuals released on Monday, January 6, ahead of planned anti-abduction protests. He was reportedly abducted in Nairobi shortly after meeting with presidential aspirant Okiya Omtatah and later dropped off in Luanda, Vihiga County.
His brother, Ronny Kiplangat, who had gone missing earlier in Kikuyu, was found in Machakos County, while Billy Mwangi, abducted in Embu, returned home Monday morning. Peter Muteti, taken in Uthiru, was found in Nairobi’s CBD, and Bernard Kavuli, abducted in Ngong, resurfaced in Kitale. However, Steve Mbisi, who disappeared in Machakos, remains missing.
So far, none of the released abductees have disclosed detailed accounts of their experiences, except for a report relayed by Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji, who stated that Mwangi had been whipped, confined in a dark room, and fed meager portions.
