Jacaranda Bunge La Mwananchi leader Evans Kawala reportedly went missing on Tuesday evening in an incident opposition leaders and youth activists are describing as an abduction, with demands growing for authorities to reveal his whereabouts.
Kawala, who is known for his outspoken political remarks during public forums, was allegedly taken on the evening of May 26 under unclear circumstances. His disappearance immediately sparked reactions from activists and politicians, with Siaya Governor James Orengo accusing the government of targeting him because of his criticism of President William Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza administration.
In a statement issued Tuesday night, Orengo claimed Kawala had been targeted for speaking openly against the government and raising concerns about governance and accountability during discussions at the Jacaranda Bunge La Mwananchi forum.
The governor said a legal team had already been assembled to trace Kawala’s whereabouts and push for his immediate release. He also urged members of the Bunge La Mwananchi movement to remain firm as efforts to locate the activist continued.
Orengo further described the alleged abduction as a sign of intolerance towards criticism, arguing that silencing government critics would not stop growing public dissatisfaction across the country.
He maintained that freedom of expression must be protected regardless of political differences.
The reported disappearance comes only days after Kawala made strong remarks against the government during public debates at the Jacaranda Bunge La Mwananchi forum.
According to people close to the movement, he had criticised the administration’s handling of governance issues and questioned accountability in public leadership.
His comments came shortly after a recent security scare involving President Ruto during a public event in Ganze, Kilifi County, where a man reportedly breached presidential security and reached the dais.
By Wednesday morning, neither the government nor the National Police Service had released an official statement on the alleged abduction or confirmed Kawala’s whereabouts.
Bunge La Mwananchi remains one of Kenya’s most visible grassroots platforms, bringing together ordinary citizens to discuss political, economic, and social issues.
The movement has recently been at the centre of public debate surrounding the controversial Finance Bill 2026.
