Unlawful abductions in Kenya have surged since mid-last year, sparking outrage and fear among citizens. Bernice Saroni, a US-based Kenyan digital content creator and entrepreneur, has stepped forward with advice for recently freed abductees. Addressing the plight of five Kenyan youths Billy Mwangi, Kibet Bull, and three others who were released after weeks of isolation, Saroni urged them to seek asylum in the United States.
Through a heartfelt video shared on her TikTok page, the mother of four empathized with the trauma endured by both the youths and their families. She criticized the Kenyan government for failing to protect its citizens and causing emotional devastation to affected families. “I’m a mother of four boys, and I can just imagine the agony of not knowing whether your child is alive or dead,” she lamented. Saroni highlighted the daily anguish of parents visiting morgues, searching for their missing loved ones.
Saroni believes that the abductees face an uncertain and unsafe future in Kenya. She pointed out that their lives are forever tainted, as they will likely be under constant surveillance and face limited opportunities due to their criminal records, even if those records are unjust. “Your fingerprints have been taken. You don’t have good conduct, which means no opportunities for government or reputable jobs,” she noted.
Encouraging the youths to seek refuge in the US, Saroni asserted that asylum could provide a fresh start. She stressed that many individuals in the US have been granted asylum for far less severe circumstances and that the young men’s cases would likely receive favorable outcomes. “There’s nothing you can do in Kenya now. Your lives are already disrupted. Here in the US, you can live without fear and rebuild after the trauma you’ve endured,” she explained.
Saroni’s call is a stark reminder of the escalating abduction crisis in Kenya and the dire need for systemic reforms to protect citizens and restore public trust. For now, she offers hope and a potential pathway for healing to those affected.
