A medical doctor abducted in Juja and held for ransom has been rescued following a coordinated police operation, with detectives now pursuing two suspects who remain at large.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the victim, Emmanuel Kerich, was attacked while in the company of friends at Juja City Mall.
Three armed men reportedly handcuffed him before forcing him into a Subaru Forester and fleeing the scene.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the victim was accosted by three suspects who handcuffed him and forced him into a vehicle before driving off,” the DCI said in a statement.
Investigators disclosed that the vehicle used in the abduction had been deliberately disguised, with different registration details mounted on its side mirrors to avoid detection.
“The vehicle’s side mirrors bore a different registration identity, which we believe was meant to conceal its identity during the commission of the crime,” the agency stated.
The suspects are reported to have driven the doctor through multiple locations, where he was tortured as they demanded a ransom of Sh3 million.
Police say the gang later moved towards Athi River, prompting a rapid response from officers.
Acting on intelligence, police officers—working with members of the public—tracked the vehicle and intercepted it along Mavemba–Mugoya Road.
“Through intelligence-led operations and with assistance from members of the public, officers trailed and intercepted the suspect vehicle,” the DCI said.
During the operation, two suspects escaped, while one was cornered by members of the public and nearly lynched.
“One suspect was subjected to mob injustice before officers intervened, rescued him and rushed him to hospital, where he remains under police guard,” the statement added.
Authorities confirmed the doctor was rescued safely. A pair of handcuffs believed to have been used during the abduction was recovered, while the vehicle has been detained as an exhibit.
Detectives have since launched a manhunt for the two fugitive suspects.
“Investigations are ongoing, and efforts to apprehend the remaining suspects are underway,” the DCI said.