Jamil and Aslam Longton’s lives took a dark turn on August 19, 2024, when they were snatched in Kitengela by people they later said were police officers.
What followed was a horrifying 32-day ordeal filled with relentless torture and unimaginable suffering.
According to NTV Kenya, the brothers endured severe beatings and constant psychological abuse and were grilled nonstop about anti-government protests.
Aslam painted a chilling picture of their ordeal:
“Kila siku lazima nipigwe, hio ni number 1. Number 2, ataniuliza ‘pesa ya maandamano mnatoa wapi na nani ni boss wenu?’ ndio nipewe chakula na maji. Kibuyu ndio tulikuwa tukitumia kama choo. For 32 days nilijua maisha yangu imeenda. Sikuwa na hope.”
Translation” Every day, he was beaten without fail, interrogated about protest funding and leadership, and denied basic necessities. A single meal a day and a bucket as a toilet were the only comforts they had. Talk about hitting rock bottom.”
The captors blindfolded them and kept them locked in a pitch-black room.
Imagine being in total darkness for over a month, with the only company being fear and pain.
It’s the kind of thing nightmares are made of.
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Longton Brothers Recounts Two Weeks of Hell
For two agonizing weeks, the beatings came like clockwork.
Then, out of nowhere, a senior officer apparently told the torturers to ease up.
The physical abuse may have stopped, but the mental scars ran deep.
Fear and constant interrogations kept them on edge, not knowing what would happen next.
After 32 long days, they were released in the most bizarre way.
Their captors dumped them near a river, handed them Ksh300 for transport, and told them to keep their mouths shut.
It was like something out of a bad movie.
Release of Longton Brothers
After several days, the brothers were unexpectedly released, likely due to public outcry and pressure from human rights organizations.
Their return home was met with relief and joy, but the scars of their experience remain.
They are now advocating for greater awareness of the dangers faced by activists and the need for accountability for those who perpetrate such acts of violence.
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Longton Brothers and Abductions in Kenya
The Longtons’ nightmare isn’t just their story.’
It’s part of a disturbing trend in Kenya: state-sponsored violence targeting anyone who dares to speak out.
Human rights groups are sounding the alarm, calling out these abductions and the growing pattern of police brutality against activists and dissenters.
Amnesty International and the Kenya Human Rights Commission have been vocal, saying enough is enough. The Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has also stepped in, demanding answers.
“This abduction and torture is a gross violation of rights,” an LSK rep said. “We need an independent investigation to expose and punish those behind this.”