Kibet Bull: How Kidnapping Caused Popular Cartoonist to Miss Trip to Israel

  • The kidnapping of 23-year-old cartoonist Kibet Bull on December 24, 2024, sparked outrage across Kenya
  • Many did not know that it also interrupted his bright future a few days before he studied Agricultural Engineering in Israel with a high-quality scholarship
  • Kibet, who is known for his political cartoons criticizing the government, disappeared three days before fleeing, leaving behind a grieving mother

For the better part of 2024, Kenyans were entertained with a series of scathing cartoons that criticized the government of Kenya First.

Kibet promised to moderate his criticism of the government. Photo: My Street.
Source: UGC

Many did not know that the architect who inspired the interesting pictures of the President William Ruto was an Egerton University student named Gideon Kibet “Bull.”

Those works of art that spread on social media, may have defamed the government but attracted many Kenyans.

Kibet Bull's mother talks about her son's kidnapping

It was only after he was kidnapped in Njoro and released more than a week later that many put a face to the 23-year-old digital cartoonist.

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According to Mtaa Wangu, Kibet's mother, Caroline Mutai, knew her son as a dedicated young man who did not come out as an artist or an activist.

Therefore, he was shocked to hear over the radio that his son had disappeared because of his artistic activities.

“He hid me because he valued my opinion. If I had known earlier, I would have stopped him,” he pondered.

Who is Kibet Bull?

Born on November 19 in South Kuresoi, Kibet's early life revolved around education.

He attended Exodus Academy for primary school and later moved between Kericho T, Kamwaura High School, and Stoito Secondary School.

Financial problems forced him to transfer schools frequently, but his determination to become an engineer remained steadfast

Kibet scored B plain in his KCSE exams and was called to Egerton University to study for a degree in Agricultural Engineering where he graduated on November 29, 2024.

How the abduction made Kibet fail to guarantee Israel

His future looked bright, as he had already secured a scholarship to study for a master's degree in Agricultural Engineering in Israel.

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Kibet's life changed on December 24, 2024, when he was kidnapped in what many believe was retaliation for his provocative cartoons.

“I even took a loan of KSh 100,000 for his plane ticket. His dream was to succeed so that he could help us return home,” Kibet's mother said, adding that her son planned to fly on December 27 at 6pm.

The missed opportunity left his family and his hometown of Taita village, Tinet Ward, in agony, but they are happy for his safe return.

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Source: TUKO.co.ke