Police in Murang’a have arrested four suspects linked to a spate of kidnappings in Kangema Sub-County, including a chilling case where a woman was forced to withdraw Ksh585,000 from her bank account to buy her own freedom.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed on Saturday, September 6, that the suspects—John Thuo Maina, Rose Wangari Kinyua, Peter Gathiru Kinuthia, and Nancy Wamaitha Njoki—were cornered in Kiriaini during a coordinated operation while allegedly planning another abduction.
According to the DCI, the gang abducted the victim and held her hostage before coercing her to withdraw the large sum, which was handed over as ransom for her release.
During the raid, detectives impounded a Toyota Corolla KBJ 419S, believed to have been the gang’s getaway vehicle in several crimes. The suspects are in custody pending arraignment.
> “Investigations are ongoing, with detectives pursuing more leads to apprehend additional accomplices,” the DCI stated.
Wider Crackdown in Nairobi
The arrests come amid a heightened police crackdown on criminal gangs in Nairobi. On Friday, security officers arrested 214 suspects accused of terrorizing residents in the Central Business District (CBD).
Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda dismissed fears that the capital was slipping into lawlessness, insisting that security agencies had intensified patrols and surveillance.
He, however, cautioned against misinformation on social media, particularly TikTok videos that amplify or fabricate crime incidents for views.
“Many of the attacks being circulated online have not been reported to police. The CBD remains safe for businesses and residents,” Seda assured.
The concerns were first raised by former Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko, who claimed criminal groups had resurfaced in the city, targeting women and vulnerable residents. His claims were echoed by viral testimonies from Nairobians who said they felt unsafe, especially in the evenings.
In response, police have increased visibility in key hotspots and deployed joint law enforcement teams to restore confidence among residents and business operators.
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