Mystery over kidnapping and murder of school guard in Kakamega
Counties
By
Nathan Ochunge
| Oct 12, 2023
St Joseph's Girls High School, Kakamega school gate where a guard was kidnapped by strangers who posed as police officers. [Benjamin Sakwa,Standard]
The kidnapping and murder of a security guard at St Joseph's Girls High School in Kakamega town has left many questions unanswered.
Frank Nelson Madara, 60, was abducted by unknown assailants on October 9, while on duty at the school gate. His body was found dumped at Obunga in Kisumu County two days later, with severe head injuries.
Madara had been employed by the school last month, after working for a private security company in Kisumu.
According to the school principal, Lucas Shikhu, the kidnappers posed as police officers and tricked Madara into opening the gate. They then forced him into a white saloon car and drove away, leaving behind his colleague.
READ MORE
COP 31: Why global climate finance cuts could make Africa sicker
New project seeks to keep children in families instead of care homes
MP Betty Maina knows only truest of leaders reckon when to exit the stage
Heed Kenyans call to unite, Uhuru tells opposition leaders
Somalia's next security challenge may come from the sky
Kenya to engage Saudi Arabia over woman sentenced to 100 lashes
Kenya signs global declaration on children, youth and climate action
COP31: Kenya and Africa push for a fairer climate deal
Why President Ruto shouldn't put his hopes on Oburu's Linda Ground
The tree that sings: Weaver birds steal the show at Sarova Whitesands
"Some people in a white saloon car knocked on the school gate posing as police officers. The security guard opened the small gate and two men came forth and picked him up. They took him to the awaiting car where the other two men were waiting and sped off," Shikhu said.
He added that they alerted the police immediately, who responded and searched for the missing guard but found nothing. The next day, they learned that a body matching Madara's description had been discovered at Obunga estate and taken to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga referral hospital morgue.
"Together with DCI officers from Kakamega, we proceeded to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga referral hospital morgue where we identified the body," Shikhu said.
He said that the motive behind the kidnapping and murder was still unknown, as the attackers did not break into the school or demand any ransom.
"We don't know the motive behind the incident. He has been at the school for less than two months and is now dead. This is ridiculous," Shikhu said.
Kakamega County Police Commander Joseph Kigen said the incident was under investigation by the DCI, but ruled out any involvement of his officers in the abduction.
"We are wondering how he was taken from the school and left by the other security guard, this is not a normal kidnapping. The culprits behind the kidnapping incident were not police officers from my station because we didn't send anyone to such an operation," Kigen said.
He also contradicted Shikhu's claim that the school management reported the incident immediately, saying that they only did so later in the morning.
"The school management did not report the incident immediately until later in the morning. That is why we are following up with them to get more details," Kigen said.
He urged anyone with information that could help in solving the case to come forward and assist the police.