Police have arrested a senior officer over his alleged involvement in a kidnapping and extortion case targeting a couple in Githurai, Nairobi.
According to a police Occurrence Book (OB) report from Kasarani Police Station, Inspector Kelvin Mwangi, the Deputy Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Drive In Police Post, was arrested on Thursday night.
Investigators are holding him as they continue probing an alleged kidnapping and extortion syndicate.
Couple Abducted During Delivery
Police said the incident happened on Thursday afternoon when Kanuti Konrid and his wife, Beatrice Naliaka Njoroge, travelled to Baba Ndogo to deliver an Apple Smart Watch ordered by a customer online.
However, three men allegedly intercepted the couple in Githurai 44.
The suspects reportedly forced them into a white Toyota Axio, handcuffed them and drove towards Thika Road.
According to investigators, the suspects later demanded KSh1 million from the couple in exchange for their freedom.
Victim Alerts Police at Bank
Police said Konrid managed to withdraw KSh17,000, but the suspects rejected the amount.
They then took the couple to an Equity Bank branch in Githurai. Njoroge allegedly remained inside the vehicle while Konrid entered the bank to withdraw more money.
Once inside, Konrid alerted a bank employee about the alleged kidnapping.
The employee quickly informed police officers guarding the bank.
Suspects Flee as Police Respond
Officers from the Special Crimes Prevention Unit responded immediately.
As police arrived, three suspects reportedly fled on foot while the driver escaped with Njoroge in the vehicle.
During the operation, officers fired warning shots into the air as they pursued the suspects.
They arrested one suspect, identified as Stephen Okello Obewa.
Arrest Leads to Senior Officer
Police said Obewa later admitted his involvement during questioning at Kasarani Police Station.
Investigators claim he identified several accomplices, including serving police officers.
The suspects allegedly stole five mobile phones worth about KSh120,000 and the Apple Smart Watch during the incident.
Meanwhile, the suspects later released Njoroge unharmed along Kamiti Road.
Further investigations led detectives to Inspector Kelvin Mwangi, who was arrested later that evening.
Police believe the officer may have links to an alleged kidnapping and extortion network operating in Nairobi.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kasarani is continuing with investigations as officers pursue other suspects who remain at large.
