One day after his release from the hands of believed abductors, allegedly of the government, Kibet Bull is thanking journalist Larry Madowo for the good work done.
Kibet Bull, known for his silhouette cartoon memes critical of the president and whose real name is actually Gideon Kibet, believes, just as is so, that the CNN International Correspondent played a huge role in ensuring he is free. We cannot dispute the role of media in the government abduction saga.
“I have woken up with a lot of joy. I want to thank you all, starting with Larry,” he posted on X. “May you all never lack.”
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According to Kibet Bull, and as witnessed by many Kenyans, Larry Madowo was very instrumental in pressuring the government to release them (they were six: Ronny Kiplagat, Steve Kavingo Mbisi, Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, Bernard Kavuli, and himself), during the ‘infamous’ “Monday is Monday” nationwide anti-government protests.
The journalist covered the protests on CNN, the multinational news organization he works for, and repeatedly brought up the question of abductions, which generally targeted government critics and are widely believed to be the work of police, despite official denials of responsibility.
“Cartoonist Gideon Kibet Bull is the fifth Kenyan government critic released today after being abducted on Christmas Eve. I’ve spoken to him and confirmed that he is free,” Larry Madowo said in a statement on January 6, when most of the abductees were also freed.
Kibet Bull revealed that he was found in western Kenya nearly two weeks after being abducted by unidentified individuals. At the time of his abduction, he had been attending a service at Kikuyu Central SDA Church, where he serves as a youth leader.
He recounted being abandoned in Luanda, Vihiga County, late in the evening. Desperate for shelter, he knocked on three homes but received no assistance. Left with no choice, he spent the night at a Disco Matanga—a traditional Luhya night-time dance event held during funeral vigils.
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