A family in Jua Kali estate, Kakamega County, is grappling with uncertainty following the disappearance of their 27-year-old son, Joseph Kang’ara.
The incident, which allegedly took place on August 28, 2025, during the National Youth Service (NYS) pass-out parade in Gilgil, Nakuru County, has left his mother, Jane Njeri, devastated.
Njeri had travelled with Kang’ara to celebrate her younger son’s graduation from the 89th NYS pass-out event, which was attended by President William Ruto. However, the joyous occasion turned tragic when Kang’ara reportedly went missing under mysterious circumstances.
According to Njeri, confusion erupted during the ceremony after a section of attendees chanted anti-Ruto slogans. Amid the commotion, her son excused himself to use a temporary washroom. She alleges that a tall woman in military attire and a red beret intercepted him.
The officer, she claims, held Kang’ara’s hand, later picking another young man before leading them towards the washrooms. That was the last time she saw her son.
Njeri insists her son was not involved in the one term slogans protests and was merely caught in the confusion. She described how security personnel quickly responded, beating, arresting, and dispersing sections of the crowd.
Despite combing the college compound and surrounding areas, her search yielded no results. She later filed a missing person’s report at Gilgil Police Station.
For a month now, the family has been searching tirelessly, visiting police posts and hospitals, but without success.
The family now appeals to the government for transparency and urges authorities to release him if he is in their custody.
By Nairobi