According to a statement from the DCI, the individual reportedly kidnapped himself after losing his entire November salary to gambling.
Following his rescue, DCI found that the man had inflicted cuts on his own body post-abduction and demanded a ransom of Ksh100,000 from his sister.
DCI disclosed that the man, aided by an accomplice, intended to extort money from his sister. The abduction was reportedly reported at the Kajiado Police Station.
In the account taken on Thursday night, officers were informed that the supposed victim had been forced into a Toyota Probox by two men who feigned to give him a ride.
However, the DCI Crime Research and Operations Directorate located the alleged victim at Mutuku Lodgings in Kitengela.
Authorities discovered the man tied with rope around his legs and arms, with a bloody bandage covering his mouth to silence him.
According to the DCI, officers questioned the man after his rescue, only for detectives to reveal that the kidnapping was a ruse to extort money orchestrated by the victim and his accomplice.
During the rescue operation, police recovered Ksh10,100 in cash and the phone he used to communicate with his family.
“Also retrieved as evidence were a scalpel blade and bandages he employed on the self-inflicted wound to suggest that his captors were merciless and serious,” stated part of the DCI’s announcement.
The man is currently in custody and is awaiting his court appearance. This year, from June to November, 57 cases of abductions and kidnappings were reported amid a backdrop of increased political turmoil and protests.
Gambling is rapidly becoming a widespread issue, with a significant portion of the population, especially youth aged 16-25 years, engaging in various betting activities, such as sports betting and online casino games.
Reports indicate that over 50 percent of the population participates in gambling, spurred on by the easy access to betting platforms and the impact of aggressive marketing, including endorsements by local celebrities.
