Abducted Lawyer Simon Muteti Found Alive After Three-Month Ordeal

NAIROBI — Simon Muteti, who was abducted in October 2024, has been found alive after months of intense searching. The President of the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Faith Odhiambo, confirmed on Tuesday morning that Muteti has been reunited with his family, though he remains deeply shaken by his ordeal.

“Simon Muteti has been released after being held incommunicado for more than three months. He is safe with his family but remains petrified by his ordeal,” Odhiambo stated.

Muteti was reportedly abducted on October 22, 2024, in Timau, Laikipia County, by individuals suspected to be members of the Special Operations Unit (SOU). The LSK became involved in January after Muteti’s family sought legal aid. Odhiambo assured that the society will provide both legal and psychological support to help Muteti recover.

In a related case, another family from Garsen approached LSK after their relative, who had been taken into custody at Garsen Police Station, went missing on October 5, 2024. These incidents highlight a troubling rise in enforced disappearances across Kenya, not only in urban centres like Nairobi but also in rural areas.

Muteti’s recovery follows similar cases where victims were found alive after reported abductions. Last month, 24-year-old Billy Mwangi and 22-year-old Peter Muteti were located after disappearing on December 20, 2024. Mwangi was rescued by a good Samaritan, while Peter was found in Nairobi’s Central Business District. Additionally, Rony Kiplagat, brother of cartoonist Kibet Bull, was found in Machakos, and Benard Kavuli was located in Kitale.

The LSK continues to call for accountability and investigations into these alarming abductions.