Anne Nyambura
Detectives in Namanga, Kajiado Central Sub-County, are holding two suspects linked to the failed kidnapping of a 17-year-old deaf boy. The suspects, both under 30 years of age, are accused of abducting the teenager last Thursday, moments after he left a mosque at around 8 p.m.
According to the victim’s father, Noor Ali, his son was supposed to return home to his mother and siblings but never made it. His disappearance prompted the family to file a missing person’s report, initiating frantic efforts to establish his whereabouts.
On Friday, February 21, the suspected kidnappers contacted Ali, demanding a ransom of Ksh 2 million for the boy’s release. However, in a dramatic turn of events, the teenager managed to escape from his captors and found his way home at around 2 a.m
Following his return, family members and neighbours, accompanied by police officers, launched a search for the suspects. On Monday morning, they successfully traced the kidnappers’ hideout, leading to the arrest of the duo as an angry mob demanded justice.
Authorities also recovered a powdered substance at the scene, which is suspected to be drugs. Olelai Sub-County Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) boss George Momanyi confirmed that detectives were actively tracking the phone numbers used to demand the ransom as part of ongoing investigations.
The suspects are currently being held at Namanga Police Station as law enforcement officers piece together more details surrounding the incident.
The attempted kidnapping has left residents of Namanga in shock, with many calling for swift justice. “It is disturbing that criminals can target a vulnerable teenager for ransom,” said one community member.
Police have urged parents and guardians to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities that could put children at risk. Meanwhile, the investigation continues to determine if the suspects had any accomplices or prior criminal records.
Authorities are also cautioning residents to avoid taking the law into their own hands and instead work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure justice prevails.
