Police have arrested four suspects connected to a series of kidnapping incidents in Kangema Sub-County, including one case where they forced a woman to withdraw Ksh585,000 from her bank account.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) released a statement on Saturday, September 6, identifying the suspects as John Thuo Maina, Rose Wangari Kinyua, Peter Gathiru Kinuthia, and Nancy Wamaitha Njoki.
The four were apprehended during a coordinated raid in Kiriaini while allegedly preparing to execute another kidnapping operation.
According to the DCI, the suspects had previously kidnapped a woman and coerced her into withdrawing Ksh585,000 from her bank account as ransom for her release.
The victim was forced to secure her own freedom by paying the substantial amount to her captors.
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During the arrest, investigators impounded a Toyota Corolla with registration number KBJ 419S, which is believed to have been used in multiple criminal activities. The vehicle has been detained as evidence in the ongoing investigation.
The four suspects are currently in police custody, undergoing processing ahead of their court arraignment.
“Investigations are ongoing, with detectives pursuing more leads to apprehend and bring to book more accomplices,” the statement read.
In line with an intensified crackdown on criminal gangs, police on Friday arrested 214 people suspected of terrorizing residents in Nairobi's Central Business District.
Nairobi County Police Commander George Seda announced the mass arrests while addressing concerns about security in the capital.
The police chief warned against spreading misinformation on social media platforms, particularly by TikTok content creators who he accused of exaggerating security incidents for social media engagement.
Commander Seda emphasized that many alleged attacks being shared online have not been officially reported to authorities, questioning their authenticity. He assured the public that the CBD remains safe for business operations, despite narratives suggesting otherwise on social media platforms.
The security concerns were initially raised by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, who highlighted the return of criminal groups targeting unsuspecting citizens, particularly women.
His warnings were supported by viral testimonies from residents who shared experiences of feeling unsafe in the CBD, especially during evening hours.
The police response has involved enhanced visibility and deployment of multiple law enforcement agencies to ensure public safety in the capital's business district.
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