A collage featuring images of the gunmen recorded on the night of August 12, 2024, alongside the residence of Joseph Kimani. IMAGE: Joseph Kimani
In Summary:
- CCTV footage captures armed individuals, purportedly police officers, abducting a father and son in separate incidents.
- The abductions transpired following a court’s decision to grant bail in a Ksh1.5 billion fraud case involving the son.
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In a startling development from Murang’a County, 60-year-old Joseph Kimani Machiri was reportedly abducted from his residence in Kairi, Mathioya Constituency, on the night of Tuesday, August 12, 2024.
Surveillance footage reveals heavily armed men, believed to be police officers, infiltrating Kimani’s compound, extinguishing the lights, and forcefully escorting him away.
This incident unfolded merely hours after the alleged abduction of Kimani’s son, David Machiri, earlier that day from his home in Thogoto, Kiambu County.
The family has since expressed deep concern, with both men’s whereabouts remaining unknown.
Ndegwa Njiru, the family’s legal representative, highlighted the context of the abductions, stating, “The two were taken shortly after the court granted them bail in a case concerning a Ksh1.5 billion fraud involving a local bank.”
He further condemned the actions, asserting, “It is very bad for paid officers to engage in abductions. Police are supposed to follow the rule of law.”
David, a former employee of the implicated bank, was arrested on July 12, 2024, facing charges of defrauding the institution. While the prosecution sought to detain him for an additional 21 days for further investigations, the court declined, opting instead to grant bail.
Recounting the harrowing ordeal, Joseph Kimani’s wife, Nancy Wambui, shared, “Once they broke in, they dragged out my husband and took him away. I have not seen him since then.”
Meanwhile, Kenneth Mwangi, Kimani’s brother and neighbor, detailed his attempted intervention, saying, “I heard noises and thought it was from a far-off place. When I approached with a panga, the seven armed men threatened to shoot me, forcing me back into my house.”
The series of abductions has intensified scrutiny on police conduct, especially given similar allegations in recent times. Njiru has called for immediate action, urging the acting Inspector General and Interior Cabinet Secretary, Kithure Kindiki, to address the situation.
“We are calling on the acting IG and Kindiki to tell us the whereabouts of my client,” he demanded.
Confirming awareness of the incident, Mathioya Sub-County Police Commander Paul Karobia stated that an investigation has been initiated.