A Deputy Officer Commanding Station (OCS) attached to Drive In Police Post in Nairobi has been arrested over alleged links to a kidnapping and extortion syndicate following the abduction of a couple in Baba Dogo, where the suspects allegedly demanded Sh1 million for their release.

According to investigators, the officer was arrested after detectives linked him to the alleged kidnapping of a businessman and his wife, who had travelled to Baba Dogo to deliver an Apple smartwatch to a customer before they were reportedly ambushed by a group of armed men. The suspects allegedly forced the couple into a vehicle and later demanded a ransom for their release.

Police say the ordeal began on Thursday, July 30, when the couple responded to what appeared to be a legitimate online purchase. Upon arriving at the agreed location, they were allegedly accosted by several men, bundled into a waiting vehicle and robbed of their mobile phones and the smartwatch they had intended to deliver.

Investigators said the kidnappers initially took the victims to a petrol station along Thika Road, where they allegedly demanded Sh1 million for their release. When the victims were unable to raise the money, the suspects reportedly drove them to an Equity Bank branch in Githurai, intending to force one of the victims to withdraw the cash.

The alleged extortion attempt was disrupted after the male victim discreetly alerted a bank teller that he was being held against his will. The teller immediately notified security personnel, prompting a swift response from police officers stationed at the bank.

As officers moved in, the suspects reportedly fled the scene. One suspect was arrested immediately, while the female victim, who had remained inside the getaway vehicle, was later released unharmed after the fleeing driver abandoned the vehicle and escaped.

During subsequent investigations, detectives arrested the Deputy OCS, who is alleged to have been part of the syndicate. Investigators are also pursuing three other serving police officers who have been named as suspects and remain at large. Authorities are working to establish the extent of their alleged involvement in the operation.

According to the police investigation, the incident has raised serious concerns over alleged criminal infiltration within sections of the National Police Service. Detectives are examining communication records, witness statements and other forensic evidence to determine how the alleged syndicate operated and whether it may be linked to similar cases reported in Nairobi.

The National Police Service has repeatedly stated that officers found engaging in criminal activities will face the full force of the law, regardless of rank.

The suspects are expected to be presented before court once investigations are completed. Police have not announced additional charges or disclosed whether further arrests are expected.

The case remains under active investigation, and all suspects are presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court of law.