Kibet Bull Explains Going To 'Disco Matanga' After Release From Abduction

Cartoonist Gideon Kibet, popularly known as 'Kibet Bull' confirmed his release on Monday, January 6 through his X account. However, there was a part of his statement that sparked nationwide backlash, that of him attending a Disco Matanga shortly after being released by his abductors in Luanda, Vihiga County.

This was prominently questioned by Belgut Member of Parliament (MP) Nelson Koech, who deemed it impossible that someone could go out to party after being held captive by abductors for 15 days.

“Cartoonist Kibet Bull claimed that he was dumped in Luanda, Vihiga County. You cannot be released by abductors after 15 days and still attend some disco, it is impossible.

"And you still look clean and comfortable, someone is playing a game,” Koech revealed during an interview on Citizen TV, maintaining that some politicians in the country were planning the fake abductions to incite citizens against the government. 

Senator Okiya Omtatah with cartoonist Kibet Bull (left). /OKIYA OMTATAH

“How do you go to a disco after being released? How do you look so clean and still have money for a beer and dance with girls?” the lawmaker questioned Kibet's abduction.

However, Kibet, who earlier vowed to cut back on his social media activity, posted on his X account revealing his account of events after he was released.

He recounted seeking help from three households to tell the occupants about his harrowing experience ut got no response. Frustrated, he was drawn to the sound system of the Disco Matanga and decided to find solace at the event until dawn.

The cartoonist also revealed that he had to keep off major highways in case his abductors returned and realised he changed his mind.

"Government bloggers are using the Disco Matanga thing to push a narrative. Knocked three houses to tell them about the incident but didn't respond, the other had fierce dogs. Went to sit somewhere but saw it unsafe, then I heard a sound system. I saw it could be helpful to check it out," he recalled.

"I chilled waiting for morning. I also wanted to stay away from the highway. Was just worried they would go back to check if I'm gone."

After his early Monday morning release between 3 am and 4 am, Kibet took to X to reveal that he had passed time by attending a Disco Matanga, a detail that left not just politicians but a section of Kenyans online perplexed.

Kibet was one out of five of the six people released after being abducted in December 2024 in what many believe was a coordinated operation given that the six were abducted in different parts of the country almost on the same day. 

His release came moments after the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed the release of four abducted Kenyans; Billy Mwangi and Peter Muteti as well as Bernard Kavuli and Kibet's brother, Ronny Kiplangat.

In a statement on Monday, January 6, NPS Spokesperson Resila Onyango revealed that Kavuli who was reported missing at Ngong' Police Station was assisting the investigators with further information. Musyimi, who was abducted in Ngong in December 2024 had reported the matter to Moi's Bridge Police Station after his release.

With regards to cases concerning Mwangi, Muteti and Kiplangat, NPS announced that a team would be dispatched to get information on the abduction and their release.