A police inspector arrested over an alleged kidnapping and extortion ring is in custody as detectives investigate the abduction of a couple who were allegedly held for a KSh1 million ransom in Nairobi.
Inspector Kelvin Mwangi, the Deputy Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Drive In Police Post, was arrested on Thursday night and is being held at Kasarani Police Station to assist with investigations.
According to a police occurrence book (OB) report referenced as OB No. 60/30/07/2026, Mwangi was arrested in connection with an earlier case reported under OB No. 55/30/07/2026 involving the kidnapping of a husband and wife in Githurai 44.
Police say detectives are still pursuing other suspects believed to be part of the alleged criminal network.
Couple Abducted While Delivering Smart Watch
Investigators said the incident began at around 3 p.m. on Thursday when Kanuti Konrid and his wife, Beatrice Naliaka Njoroge, travelled to Baba Ndogo to deliver an Apple Smart Watch ordered by a customer through an online transaction.
Police said the couple was intercepted by three men travelling in a white Toyota Axio, forced into the vehicle, handcuffed and driven towards Thika Road.
The suspects allegedly stopped at a petrol station where they demanded KSh1 million from the couple in exchange for their freedom.
Konrid reportedly withdrew KSh17,000, but the suspects rejected the amount and drove the couple to an Equity Bank branch in Githurai. Investigators say Njoroge remained inside the vehicle while her husband was sent into the bank to withdraw more cash.
Bank Alert Foils Extortion Plot
Once inside the bank, Konrid discreetly alerted a bank employee, who immediately informed police officers stationed at the premises.
Officers from the Special Crimes Prevention Unit responded, forcing the suspects to flee. Three suspects escaped on foot while the driver sped away with Njoroge still inside the vehicle.
Police fired warning shots during the pursuit and managed to arrest one suspect, identified as Stephen Okello Obewa.
According to investigators, Obewa later confessed to participating in the crime and identified several alleged accomplices, including serving police officers. He also told detectives that the getaway vehicle belonged to him.
The suspects are also accused of stealing five mobile phones worth approximately KSh120,000 and the Apple Smart Watch before fleeing.
Njoroge was later released unharmed along Kamiti Road.
Inspector Arrested as Investigations Expand
Police say information gathered during the investigation led to the arrest of Inspector Mwangi later that night.
Investigators believe the officer may be linked to a kidnapping and extortion syndicate operating within Nairobi, although inquiries are ongoing.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Kasarani has taken over the investigation as detectives continue searching for additional suspects.
