This archive report was first published on 5 July 2020.
On June 19, 2020, a family in Meru County reported their loved one missing to the Kangeta Police Station. Little did they know that their relative was being held captive by three suspects in the Njuri Ncheke forest, Mpinda village.
Thanks to an intelligence-led operation by the DCI detectives, working in tandem with local police officers, the suspects were finally apprehended on July 5, 2020. The operation was sparked by a ransom demand of Sh150,000 from the family.
Patrick Kimathi, Joseph Karithi, and Daniel Muroki, all under the age of 30, were arrested after a tip-off from members of the public. The suspects had attempted to escape but were caught with the help of the public.
The victim, who had been held captive for 14 days, was rescued and taken for a medical checkup. The suspects are currently detained at the police station, awaiting arraignment in court.
Some items recovered from the scene will be used as exhibits in court, bringing closure to the family and the community.
