The Kitengela brothers, Jamil and Aslam Longtone, along with activist Bob Njagi, have finally spoken out about their terrifying experience while they were abducted.
The three were abducted on August 19, 2024, by men believed to be police officers and held for 30 days before their release.
Their disappearance received widespread attention, with even the Former acting IG of police, Gilbert Masengeli, facing legal trouble after receiving a six-month jail sentence for contempt of court. He failed to appear in court at least six times when summoned to explain the whereabouts of the Kitengela brothers.
But what exactly happened to the Kitengela brothers during their abduction?
Their brother, Abdi Razak, shared chilling details of the conditions they endured. “From the second day, they were beaten and tortured. They were questioned about the protests they participated in,” Razak explained.
According to him, the brothers and Njagi were only given food once a day. “They were fed once a day, and water was rationed to just 300ml,” Razak revealed.
In addition to the torture and starvation, they were not allowed to use the washroom regularly. “The washrooms were opened only once a week,” he said.
Razak also mentioned the restrictions placed on his brothers’ religious rights. “They were denied the right to worship during their captivity,” he added.
Kitengela Brothers Money Given after Release
On September 20, the three men were finally released. They were blindfolded and bound with sellotape, just the same way as they were while getting abducted.
Before being released, the abductors have them back their phones, and KSh 300 for bus fare.
“They were dropped near Bishop Gate in Gachie and told not to speak about what had happened,” Razak recounted.
Their abduction had drawn widespread attention, with organizations like Amnesty International and the Law Society of Kenya calling for their immediate release.
Their disappearance coincided with protests against the now-withdrawn Finance Bill 2024, which the three had actively participated in.
While their release has brought relief, the trauma from their ordeal remains.
Razak concluded, “They were warned not to talk, but this story must be told.”
By Vivian K.
