Deputy Governor Bernard Kiala daughter found after kidnap claims

Machakos Deputy Governor Bernard Kiala. His daughter was found unhurt in Sunton, Nairobi, after claims she had been kidnapped. (PHOTO: FILE/ STANDARD)

Machakos Deputy Governor Bernard Kiala's daughter was found unhurt in Sunton, Nairobi, after claims she had been kidnapped.

Kathleen Nduku was tracked to a house where she was found alone and later taken for questioning by police.

Police officers who found her said they were investigating to establish whether Ms Nduku was kidnapped for political reasons as claimed.

"She is under interrogation to know if indeed she was kidnapped as claimed," said Nairobi DCI Nicholas Kamwende.

Mr Kamwende said preliminary findings did not point to a case of kidnapping but they were digging some more.

"Maybe she was resting at a friend's place but we are still investigating," he said.

It was reported that Nduku was kidnapped last Wednesday and demands made for her father to drop his 2017 bid for the Machakos governor's seat. A message sent to his wife by phone on Friday read: "We have your daughter alive. We will release her but tell your husband if he runs for governor, it will not be the first attempt."

Mr Kiala said yesterday he was grateful to police for the rescue.

"I wish to thank everyone who participated in the investigations and search, those who sent us messages of encouragement and above all, those that prayed and fasted with me and my family."

On Tuesday, Kamba elders gave the suspected abductors seven days to return Nduku or face dire consequences.