By Grace Gilo
A man is currently in custody for holding for kidnapping an Indian-Kenyan, part of a recent scam that has resulted in several victims paying substantial amounts of money for their release.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Frankline Otieno Odhiambo, 28, along with an accomplice, orchestrated the abduction by having a woman entice the victim to her residence.
“In their bid to walk pockets full without a sweat or dirt yesterday, Frankline Otieno Odhiambo, 28, and his accomplice plotted the kidnapping of the victim by having a damsel lure the victim to her house,” wrote the DCI on X.
“Once inside for a business yet to be established, the lady identified as Carol signalled Otieno and his right-hand man, who stormed in laying allegations that the then fear-stricken visitor had drawn from Otieno’s pot with impunity,” the DCI added.
They threatened severe consequences if the victim did not comply, demanding that he provide contact information for his family to secure a ransom for his freedom.
In a state of alarm for their loved one’s safety, the victim’s family quickly raised Sh310,000 as an initial payment before contacting law enforcement at Parklands Police Station, Kabati Police Station in Thika, and through the FichuakwaDCI hotline.
Responding promptly, the Head of Operations at DCI dispatched a rapid response team, supported by crime analysts from CRIB, who successfully traced the suspects to their hideout in the Mirema area of Kasarani, Nairobi.
Fortunately for Otieno’s accomplices, Carol and a man known only as Adam, had just collected their share of the ransom and were out shopping when the authorities arrived.
In contrast, Otieno remains in police custody, grappling with the loss of the money that eluded him.
During a search of Otieno’s residence, officers recovered the mobile phone used to contact the victim’s family, which has been retained as evidence.
“At Otieno’s house, the officers recovered the mobile phone used to call the victim’s family and kept it as an exhibit,” DCI said.
“The victim is a happy man after being reunited with his family. Otieno will be arraigned tomorrow even as the pursuit for Carol and Adan continues,” DCI added.