Detectives in Kiambu County have arrested five people suspected of being behind a kidnapping incident that shocked residents of Ruaka.
The incident began when a man went missing without explanation, leaving his girlfriend worried after failing to reach him. Out of concern, she tried to call his phone, only for an unknown voice to answer.
The person on the other end demanded a ransom of Ksh.500,000 for the safe release of her boyfriend, leaving her terrified. Acting quickly, she informed the police, who immediately took up the case.Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) launched an operation, following intelligence reports that guided them to the suspects’ movements.
Their efforts led them to Ithanga, where the missing victim was eventually found. He was in a bad state, wearing a blood-stained shirt and bearing visible injuries. Despite his ordeal, he was fortunate to have been found alive before the situation worsened.
The operation also led to the arrest of five suspects identified as Sydney Ezra Achanda, John Louise Omondi, Enock Sum Cheruyot, Peter Kanini Mwangi, and Lucy Sara Muhonja.
The group was intercepted near Quickmatt Thindigua, where detectives pounced on them before they could make further moves.
Authorities also confirmed that the suspects had already managed to collect Ksh.68,000 from the ransom demand before their arrest.
Two vehicles believed to have been used in the kidnapping were also impounded. One was a red Suzuki Swift, while the other was a white Mazda Demio. When officers searched the vehicles, they found a kitchen knife, ten assorted mobile phones, and a tablet, raising suspicions that the gang may have been involved in other crimes. The items were taken in as evidence to help in the ongoing investigations.
The five suspects are now being held in custody as detectives finalize their investigations. Once the process is complete, they are expected to be arraigned in court to face charges related to kidnapping, extortion, and possible assault.
