Reports came in late Friday that activist Nzioka Muli was abducted in Nairobi. People online quickly started using the hashtag #FreeNziokaMuli to demand his release. The news spread fast on social media, but authorities have not said anything yet.
The incident happened around 7:49 p.m. in the Fedha area of Embakasi. Muli was with his brother, heading to Athi River. According to his friend, a security consultant, three men in civilian clothes and masks grabbed Muli. They forced him into a white Toyota Corolla. His brother saw it all happen. Muli had noticed someone following him earlier that day, but he did not think much of it at the time.
His phone went off right after. Family members have no idea where he is. As of Saturday morning, no one from the police or government has commented on the reports.
Nzioka Muli runs the X account @nziokamul1. He has close to 29,000 followers. He often posts about government corruption and other issues. He has been outspoken about the 2013 Westgate mall attack and how funds meant for development get misused. Many see him as a strong voice against wrongdoing in Kenya. That kind of criticism has put people like him in danger before.
The abduction claims come at a time when Kenyans are still worried about enforced disappearances. Last year, during the anti-government protests, several young activists went missing. Some were later found, but others were not.
Human rights groups said many of those cases involved plainclothes officers. The government denied any role in most of them. But the pattern left people scared. Now, with this new report about Muli, many are asking if the same thing is starting again.
On X, the hashtag #FreeNziokaMuli picked up quickly. Users shared his photo and details of what happened. Some tagged the police, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, and even President William Ruto.
Others called on international figures to pay attention. One post said the abductions seem to target Gen Z voices who speak out online. Another user pointed to a recent post by Muli criticising a top official as a possible reason.
Friends and fellow activists are urging everyone to keep sharing the news. They say pressure from social media helped in past cases. When people went missing during the 2024 protests, online campaigns forced authorities to act faster in some situations. Right now, Muli’s family just wants answers. His brother reached out to several accounts asking for help to spread the word.
The story is still based on eyewitness accounts. That makes it hard to confirm everything independently. But in Kenya, these kinds of reports often start online before they reach newspapers or TV.
Kenya has a long history with disappearances linked to politics. Human rights organisations like Amnesty International and the Kenya Human Rights Commission have documented dozens of cases over the years. Many involve critics of the government. Some families wait months or years without news. Others get their loved ones back after public outcry.
For now, people close to Muli are hoping he is safe. They want him released without harm. The online calls keep growing. Users are posting his picture and asking questions about why this keeps happening. One common message is simple: bring him home.
As the day goes on, more details might come out. Police could issue a statement. Or family members might share more updates. Until then, the worry continues for Nzioka Muli and everyone who knows him. Cases like this remind Kenyans how fragile free speech can feel. People just want the truth and for him to be found soon.
