Residents of Kariobangi South, Nairobi, on Sunday foiled an attempted abduction by men believed to be undercover police officers.
The dramatic confrontation, captured on video, shows the plainclothes officers surrounded by angry locals demanding to know their identity and why they were attempting to arrest the victim.
Eyewitnesses say the men arrived in an unmarked vehicle and tried to seize a resident.
However, their plans were thwarted when a large crowd quickly gathered, blocking them and demanding answers.
Kenyan anti-riot police arrest a man during a protest in Nairobi on June 27, 2024. Photo: Citizen TV Kenya Source: Facebook
The tension escalated as the officers struggled to justify their actions, eventually forcing them to abandon their mission and flee the scene.
The incident comes amid rising cases of abductions allegedly carried out by suspected police officers, with some victims later found dead.
A recent example is the three men from Mlolongo, whose bodies were discovered at Nairobi Funeral Home after they mysteriously disappeared.
Residents expressed outrage over the growing trend of forced disappearances, vowing to remain vigilant. “We are tired of people being taken away without explanation. Today, we refused to let it happen,” said one Kariobangi local.
Anti-Riot cops patrolling Nairobi CBD during June 27 demos. Photo: Nation Source: Facebook
The identity of the targeted individual remains unclear, and police are yet to comment on the failed abduction.
However, human rights groups have called for an investigation, warning against extrajudicial actions by rogue security agents.
“To the people of Kariobangi, I owe you an apology. I never knew the strength of your unity,” one X user wrote on Sunday.
The development comes amid the backdrop of claims from former DP Rigathi Gachagua that atleast 60 youths from Isiolo have been abducted and that nobody know where they are.
Speaking on Sunday night the former second in command alleged that Ruto is revenging after youths shouted at him during a political rally in Isiolo this week.
