- The people of Kiamanyeki village turned to the police after being alerted that one of them was allegedly kidnapped
- Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, the victim, Jackline Gatwiri, claimed that the officers called to meet her in Ngurubani Town, but things became different after her arrival
- Kiarukungu area chief Henry Kariuki said the officers were looking for Gatwiri's friend and they believe the victim could help them in their search.
Kirinyaga: Tension broke out in the village of Kiamanyeki, Mwea-Mashariki, when residents tried to destroy six detectives from the Kerugoya Police Station, suspecting them of trying to kidnap a local woman.
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The officers, who were traveling in a Subaru car, were rescued by armed police officers from Wanguru Police Station and Kiarukungu area chief, Henry Kariuki.
What caused the conflict between residents and detectives of Kirinyaga?
The drama started when residents protested after witnessing Jackline Gatwiri being forced into the detectives' car.
“I saw Gatwiri being grabbed by armed men and forced into a car. I immediately felt that he was being kidnapped and I shouted for help. The villagers reacted quickly and surrounded the car,” Grace Wambui, a witness, said.
Gatwiri, filled with astonishment, recounted his ordeal.
“The officers called me claiming they need my help to arrest the suspect who is my friend. When I arrived in Ngurubani town, they forced me into their car and took me to Kiamanyeki village without giving me a chance to inform my employer,” he explained.
The situation worsened as angry villagers, led by Peter Maina and Michael Waweru, armed with local weapons, condemned the behavior in their village.
Maina said they will not accept Subaru vehicles to be seen in Kirinyaga county because several cases of kidnapping have been reported in the country involving such vehicles.
Why was Jackline Gatwiri allegedly kidnapped?
However, Chief Kariuki explained that the detectives were tracking a robbery suspect who was in frequent contact with Gatwiri.
According to the chief, officers thought Gatwiri could help them find the suspect. However, a problem arose because the detectives did not inform the local administration or Wanguru officials about their operation.
The detectives were finally rescued after Wanguru officers arrived and calmed the crowd, explaining the nature of the operation.
Chief Kariuki later confirmed that the suspect the officers were looking for had been arrested.
“The woman the detectives were looking for was arrested early this morning and is currently being held at the Wanguru Police Station,” Kariuki explained.
Are the police involved in the recent kidnapping cases?
In another statement, the police denied allegations of their involvement in several cases of kidnapping.
They promised to contact the freed abductees and their families to provide evidence and assist in the ongoing investigation.
They emphasized their commitment to investigate and solve all cases and bring all suspects to court.
Ruto what did he say about kidnapping?
Earlier, TUKO.co.ke reported that President William Ruto broke his silence on the increase in kidnapping cases of young Kenyans who are believed to be critics of the government.
Speaking in Homa Bay County in December, Ruto promised to end the brutal acts but appeared to set some conditions.
He urged the youth to refrain from irresponsible and arbitrary behavior that could get them into trouble.
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Source: TUKO.co.ke
