Detectives have arrested four persons of interest believed to be part of a kidnapping syndicate operating in Kangema Sub-County.

The arrests, carried out in a coordinated raid in Kiriaini, mark a significant breakthrough in curbing the recent spate of abductions in the area.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed the arrests of the four on its official X account dated September 6, 2025. According to the post, the four were apprehended while planning another criminal act.

“Four suspects behind a string of kidnappings in Kangema Sub-County have been taken into custody by detectives following a well-coordinated raid in Kiriaini. Acting on intelligence leads, sleuths from Kangema pounced on the gang, catching them red-handed as they prepared to unleash yet another criminal act,” DCI said.

Evidence

The gang is believed to have carried out several kidnappings, including an incident in which a woman was abducted and forced to withdraw Ksh585,000 from her bank account to secure her release. The DCI noted that a getaway vehicle, a Toyota Corolla, claimed to be used in multiple crimes, was impounded at the scene and is now held as evidence.

“Their arrest follows an earlier incident in which they kidnapped a woman and coerced her into withdrawing Ksh585,000 from her bank account to buy her freedom. Acting on intelligence leads, sleuths from Kangema pounced on the gang, catching them red-handed as they prepared to unleash yet another criminal act,” read part of the statement.

Investigators say the suspects were plotting their next strike when detectives swooped in, highlighting the importance of intelligence-led operations in disrupting criminal networks. The successful raid underscores the DCI’s commitment to preempting violent crimes and protecting communities from organised criminal activity.

Ongoing investigations

The four persons of interest are currently in custody, undergoing processing ahead of arraignment.

“The suspects are now in custody, undergoing processing pending arraignment. Meanwhile, investigations are ongoing, with detectives pursuing more leads to apprehend and bring to book more accomplices,” the DCI statement added.

Security officers are urging the public to continue sharing information that could help dismantle other criminal networks in the region.

The DCI has reaffirmed its pledge to clamp down on kidnapping and other violent crimes, promising swift action against any accomplices still at large.