Political cartooning in Kenya has always been risky. Cartoonists have faced dismissal, censorship, lawsuits, and threats. But, until this week, they had never been arbitrarily detained.
Even during the dark days of the 24-year Daniel arap Moi dictatorship, cartoonists were not directly targeted by the state. However, that changed with the abduction of Gideon Kibet, known as Kibet Bull, a cartoonist who boldly criticizes President William Ruto’s administration.
The regime has been cracking down on dissent, including abducting activists. Kibet and his brother went missing after meeting an opposition legislator, adding to the list of disappearances in the country.
The regime’s actions against Kibet reveal its fragility. In authoritarian regimes, cartoonists expose the foolishness of those in power. Kenya has been striving for democracy, but Ruto’s regime has shown authoritarian tendencies.
Kibet Bull has been bravely criticizing Ruto through his cartoons, attracting both admiration and wrath. He is among the many disappeared by the regime, sparking condemnation from various quarters.
Ruto has promised to end abductions, but many see it as an admission of guilt. His actions have drawn criticism and he needs to learn from Kenya’s past to avoid a similar fate as his predecessors.
Ruto’s desperation makes him dangerous, targeting young people demanding a better life. His regime fears ridicule and views online cartoons as a threat. Kenyans must be vigilant against this threat.
The views expressed in this article are the author’s own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeera’s editorial stance.
