Gideon Kibet, known as Kibet Bull, was reported missing and feared abducted due to his critical cartoons of Kenyan President William Ruto.
His disappearance followed a visit to Okiya Omtatah, a presidential aspirant, where he was last seen, with security concerns noted due to surveillance.
Dropped yesterday at 3-4AM in Luanda, Vihiga county.
— Yoko (@Kibet_bull) January 6, 2025
The post’s mention of being “dropped” in Luanda, Vihiga County, was related to his safe return or release, a significant event given his abduction.
Kenyan political cartoons have a rich history and continue to play a crucial role in the country’s political and social discourse. Here’s an overview based on the information provided:
Political cartooning in Kenya has been a vital tool for satire, humour, and criticism, rooted in the country’s political culture for decades.
Cartoonists have traditionally used their art to expose and critique political wrongs, serving as a litmus test for free speech. For instance, during the presidency of Daniel arap Moi, cartoonists like Paul Kelemba (known as Maddo) broke new ground by caricaturing the president in 1992, which was a bold move at a time when such criticism was risky. This act emboldened others to critique the government more openly.
Kenyan cartoonists face significant risks, including state-engineered dismissal, censorship, lawsuits, and threats. Recently, these risks have escalated with the abduction of Gideon Kibet, known as Kibet Bull, a young cartoonist critical of President William Ruto’s administration.
This event marks a new level of danger for cartoonists in Kenya, as it’s the first time they’ve had to endure arbitrary detention. Kibet’s work involved using silhouettes to satirise Ruto’s administration, which has become increasingly authoritarian.
His abduction, along with others critical of the government, highlights the fragility and insecurity of the current regime.
Political cartoons in Kenya are not just for entertainment; they serve to educate the public on politics and current affairs, often showing the negative sides of governance to promote better morals and public behaviour.
Cartoonists like Maddo, with over 30 years of experience, see their work as both a job and a calling, using humour to convey important messages.
They play a role in opinion formation, decision-making, and providing satirical commentary on the political scene, which is especially poignant around election times or during significant political events.
Despite the shift towards digital media, political cartoons remain influential. They adapt to new platforms, ensuring their continued relevance in engaging audiences with political satire.
The transition to digital has not diminished their impact; instead, it has expanded their reach, allowing for more immediate and widespread distribution of their work.
Shows like “The XYZ Show” have continued the tradition of political satire, using puppets to mock political figures and address social issues.
This show, inspired by international formats, has been instrumental in keeping the political elite in check through humour and satire, focusing on contemporary issues like corruption, identity, and gender representation.
