Five suspects arrested over Ruaka kidnapping after Ksh.500,000 ransom demand

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the ordeal ensued after the victim disappeared without a trace in Kiambu, prompting his girlfriend to contact his phone. 

The call was, however, answered by an unknown individual who demanded a ransom of Ksh.500,000 for his release. Alarmed by the incident, she alerted the authorities, who launched a swift operation to trace the victim. 

Acting on intelligence leads, the detectives traced the kidnappers to Ithanga, where the victim was found injured while wearing a blood-stained shirt. 

The five suspects, Sydney Ezra Achanda, John Louise Omondi, Enock Sum Cheruyot, Peter Kanini Mwangi, and Lucy Sara Muhonja were arrested near Quickmatt Thindigua.

The officers also impounded two getaway vehicles, a red Suzuki Swift and a white Mazda Demio, believed to have been used in the crime 

A search of the vehicles uncovered a kitchen knife, ten assorted mobile phones, and a tablet, among other items.

Authorities confirmed that by the time of the arrest, the kidnappers had already received Ksh.68,000 as part of the ransom payment.

The five suspects are currently in custody as detectives finalize investigations before they are arraigned.