Billy Mwangi, a victim of an alleged abduction by the government, has officially declared his intention to vie for the Embu Senatorial seat.
Speaking on Tuesday, June 24, the Gen Z activist announced his bid for the senior county position, adding that it is the Gen Z generation that will form the next government.
The 24-year-old dismissed critics, stating that his faith in God would carry him through to become the next Senator for Embu.
“I will be vying for the senatorial seat in Embu County, and for those in Embu who believe in me, even those who say I will not make it, the God who kept me safe during my abduction will give me the win,” Billy stated.
By declaring his bid, Billy aims to take over from Alexander Mudigi, the current senator serving his first term, and become the fourth Embu senator since the advent of the new Constitution.
In the recent past, Billy was seen in the company of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua during a tour by Gachagua's Democracy for Citizens Party (DCP) in Embu.
In Kenya, the primary requirement for one to vie for a senatorial seat is that they must be a registered voter. Other requirements include being a Kenyan citizen, not owing allegiance to a foreign state, and holding a degree from a university recognised in Kenya. Currently, Mwangi is a college student.
Additional conditions include: not being a public or State officer, not holding dual citizenship, not being bankrupt, being of sound mind, and having no criminal record.
Billy was allegedly abducted by individuals believed to be officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), reportedly at the behest of senior government officials, while awaiting services at a barbershop in Embu Town on Saturday, December 21.
His disappearance was reportedly linked to his online activity, where he was said to have posted deprecating AI-generated images of President William Ruto on social media.
Billy was one of three individuals allegedly abducted over the posting of the images, the others being Bernard Kavuli and Peter Muteti.
The aftermath of Billy’s abduction triggered a massive demonstration in Embu town, with area residents and the business community joining hands demanding his release. Business and transport operations were paralysed as chaos erupted on Friday, December 27.
Upon his release on Monday, January 6, Billy revealed that he was tortured daily, barely fed, and alleged that he had been drugged. The harrowing ordeal, as per Billy, had an extremely bad effect on his mental well-being.
