A senior police officer and a civilian have been arrested after a couple engaged in online business was allegedly kidnapped and robbed by a gang posing as buyers in Nairobi.
Police said the incident was reported after the couple travelled to Baba Dogo at about 3 pm to deliver an Apple smartwatch to a customer who had allegedly placed the order online.
Upon arrival, the couple was reportedly confronted by three men who forced them into a waiting white Toyota Axio, where two other suspects were waiting.
The male victim was handcuffed as the gang drove towards Thika Road.
Police said the suspects took the victims to a petrol station in Roasters along Thika Road, where they ordered the man to withdraw money.
He managed to withdraw Sh17,000, but the gang allegedly rejected the amount and demanded Sh1 million.
The suspects later drove to a bank in Githurai, where they ordered the man to withdraw more money while holding his wife hostage inside the vehicle, police said.
Once inside the bank, the victim discreetly alerted a bank teller, who notified police officers guarding the premises.
Officers, assisted by a nearby patrol team, responded immediately.
On spotting the officers, three suspects fled on foot while the driver sped away with the female victim. Police fired warning shots and managed to corner and arrest one suspect.
During interrogation, police said the suspect admitted that five people had been involved in the incident and identified the escaped suspects.
He also told investigators that the getaway vehicle belonged to him.
Police said they are investigating claims that two of the suspects are police officers. One of the officers was later arrested, officials said.
The gang allegedly stole five mobile phones valued at about Sh120,000 and an Apple smartwatch worth approximately Sh2,500.
The female victim was later released unharmed along Kamiti Road.
Police have launched a manhunt for the remaining suspects as investigations continue.
Police said they are also investigating whether the gang is linked to similar reported incidents, adding that such cases have been on the rise despite ongoing efforts to curb the trend.
