- Bob Njagi, activist, speaks out about his 32-day abduction linked to anti-government protests
- Released in the middle of the night on September 20, 2024, Njagi reported the matter to Tigoni Police Station
- Despite the experience, Njagi forgives his captors but demands compensation for families affected by unlawful disappearances
Bob Njagi, activist and leader of the Free Kenya Movement, has finally broken his silence regarding his terrifying 32-day abduction.
At a press conference held in Kitengela, Njagi detailed the traumatic experience, which he believes was linked to his involvement in the anti-government protests.
Abduction in Mlolongo
Describing the day of his abduction, Njagi recounted how he had accompanied former presidential aspirant Jimi Wanjigi to Nairobi Area Regional Police Headquarters.
After Wanjigi’s arrest, Njagi boarded a matatu to Kitengela, but his journey was cut short when four masked men stormed the vehicle at Mlolongo.
They accused him of carrying a gun, beat him, and bundled him into a waiting car.
“I shouted my name and informed fellow passengers that I was being targeted for my involvement in the protests,” Njagi said.
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"They tortured me and drove me to an unknown location, where I was transferred to another car," he added.
He was eventually confined to a small, dark room measuring 6 by 4 feet. The activist shared how he spent 32 days in isolation, enduring torturous conditions.
Grim conditions of captivity
During the first two days of his abduction, Njagi was denied food. His captivity was bleak, with the room completely sealed, offering no light.
"The only human interaction I got was when the door was opened twice a day. In the morning, they would hand me a cup of tea while removing the waste bucket and replacing it with another one," Njagi explained.
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The activist’s health deteriorated rapidly, and he lost significant weight due to dehydration and malnutrition.
"Once a week, I was blindfolded and led to a room where I could shower for 10 minutes before being returned to my cell," he recalled.
Release and forgiveness
On September 20, 2024, Njagi was released in the middle of the night. His captors blindfolded him, provided Sh400 for bus fare, and abandoned him at an undisclosed location.
Njagi walked for 15 minutes before arriving at Tigoni Police Station, where he reported the matter and contacted his family.
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Despite the horrific experience, Njagi chose to forgive his captors. However, he remains determined to seek justice.
"The government must compensate the families who have lost their loved ones to these unlawful disappearances," Njagi stated.