Police search for traders abducted in Nakuru town

Two businessmen kidnapped by gunmen on the streets of Nakuru town last Friday are still missing.

Their families and members of a youth group claim the local police had a hand in the incident that has sparked street protests.

Yesterday, police said they were not aware of the whereabouts of the two and that the matter was under investigation.

According to witnesses, people in plain clothes and brandishing weapons, disembarked from a white unmarked vehicle and blocked the car Joseph Chege and his friend Simon Wachira were driving in at Whitehouse along the Nakuru-Nyahururu road at around 11am.

“The kidnappers jumped out of the vehicle and ordered the two out. They cocked their guns before bundling them into a white saloon car and sped off towards the town,”  said Francis Munge, a witness.

Mr Munge said the suspects were in three vehicles that also sped off from the scene and they took the victims’ car.

Family members, who said the two owned several stalls in the town, added that there have been no ransom demands.

Matatu operators demonstrate in Nakuru town yesterday after two businessmen, Joseph Chege and Simon Wachira, were kidnapped on Friday. (PHOTO: BONIFACE THUKU/ STANDARD)

Mr Chege’s elder brother, Simon Mwangi, said they have reported the incident at the Directorate of Criminal Investigation and Central Police Station. “His wife is depressed because we are not sure if our brother is alive or dead,” said Mr Mwangi.

Vehicle recovered

Police recovered the victims’ car near the popular Kikopey along the Nakuru-Nairobi highway.

“Residents in Kikopey claim to have seen them bundled into a white double cabin pickup. We have searched for them in mortuaries, police stations and hospitals without success,” Mwangi said.

Chege’s wife, Grace Wangui, said she has been unable to reach her husband on his mobile phone.

The two are said to be leaders of a youth group that controls local matatu termini. Family member fears their disappearance might have something to do with their operations at the termini and the re-organisation of hawkers in the town.

Mr Wachira’s wife declined to comment on the matter. “What we are trying to discuss is very dangerous and sensitive,” said the woman who asked to remain anonymous.

Nakuru DCIO James Lelia said: “I am not in any position to disclose what we have done so far.”

Nakuru East MP David Gikaria said he had already informed the Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet.