A senior police officer has been arrested as investigations intensify into an alleged kidnapping and extortion syndicate that targeted a couple in Githurai, Nairobi.
According to a police occurrence book report from Kasarani Police Station, Inspector Kelvin Mwangi, the Deputy Officer Commanding Station (Deputy OCS) at Drive In Police Post, was arrested on Thursday night to assist detectives investigating a kidnapping case with intent to commit a felony.
Police believe the officer may have links to a wider criminal network involved in kidnappings and extortion within Nairobi. He remains in custody as detectives continue pursuing other suspects who are still at large.
Investigators said the incident began at around 3:00 p.m. on Thursday when Kanuti Konrid and his wife, Beatrice Naliaka Njoroge, travelled to Baba Ndogo to deliver an Apple Smart Watch that had been ordered online by a customer.
Upon arriving at the agreed location, the couple was allegedly ambushed by three men travelling in a white Toyota Axio. The suspects reportedly forced them into the vehicle before driving towards a petrol station along Thika Road, where they demanded KSh1 million in exchange for their freedom.
Police said Konrid initially managed to withdraw KSh17,000, but the suspects rejected the amount, insisting on a larger payment. They then drove the couple to an Equity Bank branch in Githurai, where Njoroge was held inside the vehicle while her husband was ordered to withdraw more money.
While inside the bank, Konrid discreetly alerted a bank employee about the kidnapping. The employee immediately informed police officers guarding the premises, prompting the suspects to abandon the operation. The kidnappers fled on foot, while the driver sped away with Njoroge still inside the car.
Responding officers later arrested one suspect, identified as Stephen Okello Obewa, who allegedly confessed to participating in the crime and implicated serving police officers as his accomplices.
Police said the gang also stole five mobile phones valued at approximately KSh120,000, along with the Apple Smart Watch. Njoroge was later released unharmed along Kamiti Road.
The information obtained during the investigation led detectives to Inspector Mwangi, whose arrest is now being treated as a significant breakthrough in efforts to dismantle the suspected kidnapping and extortion ring operating in Nairobi. Investigations remain ongoing.