This archive report was first published on 24 December 2021.
December 24, 2021, marked a peculiar day in Kenya's social media landscape as news of Dennis Itumbi's mysterious disappearance sent shockwaves online.
Itumbi, a close ally of Deputy President William Ruto, was found badly injured and stark naked in Kasarani before being rushed to a hospital on December 23, 2021.
Initially, his associates claimed he was abducted by unknown persons while leaving a barbershop along Kiambu Road on Thursday afternoon.
However, hours after his family reported the incident at Thindigua Police Post, a good samaritan discovered him in the Lucky Summer area, Kasarani.
Itumbi was reportedly taken to Uhai Neema hospital for first aid before being transferred to a better facility.
On the morning of December 24, 2021, social media was flooded with pictures of Itumbi lying helplessly in a hospital bed, surrounded by a delegation of United Democratic Alliance (UDA) patrons.
The group turned the medical room into a photo opportunity, taking selfies with Itumbi as he recuperated.
Despite the efforts to present a sympathetic image, many netizens remained unconvinced, speculating that the incident was stage-managed.
Some even took to social media to launch the 'Itumbi Challenge,' mimicking photos shared by Itumbi's friends under the hashtag #ItumbiChallenge.
As the National Police Service (NPS) begins investigations into the incident, they appeal to the public to come forward with any information that may aid in establishing the circumstances surrounding Itumbi's disappearance.
