The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has raised concern over increasing cases of false reports of missing persons.
In a statement dated Thursday, April 10, DCI gave instances where families had filed missing persons reports, yet their kin had eloped with their lovers.
In one case, DCI noted that one man claimed that he had been abducted by two men. However, investigations established that he had eloped with the girlfriend.
"In a case filed at Akila Police Station, Zain Tarip claimed that his nephew, Idd Mubarak Rashid, went missing on the night of April 3, 2025. Rashid reappeared on April 9, 2025, claiming he had been abducted by two men and held against his will.
"Upon investigative interviewing, detectives uncovered the truth: Rashid had actually eloped with his girlfriend, whom his uncle is not happy with him marrying," read the statement in part.
Read More
In another case reported at Lang’ata Police Station, a woman was reported missing. However, investigations unearthed that she eloped with the boyfriend and went incommunicado.
DCI warned that such cases were watering down efforts by security agencies to investigate real cases of missing persons.
The investigative body, therefore, warned that action would be taken against those who participate in such incidents.
"Some of these fabricated missing person cases receive media coverage, leading to the dissemination of false information to the public," DCI lamented.
"In light of these incidents, members of the public are urged to refrain from filing false missing persons reports, as such actions divert attention and resources from real cases. Individuals perpetrating these hoaxes will face the full extent of the law."
