Drive In Police Post Deputy OCS Mwangi arraigned over alleged kidnap, extortion ring
However, the proceedings took an unexpected turn after both the complainants and the accused informed the court that they had reached an out-of-court settlement. Following the application, the court allowed the withdrawal of the case.
A senior Nairobi police officer has been arraigned before the Makadara Law Courts over his alleged involvement in a kidnapping, robbery and extortion syndicate that allegedly targeted online traders before the case was withdrawn following an out-of-court settlement.
Inspector Kelvin Mwangi Muraguri, the Deputy Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Drive In Police Post, appeared in court alongside Stephen Okello Obewa, with both facing charges of robbery with violence contrary to Section 296(2) of the Penal Code.
According to the charge sheet, the two are accused of violently robbing Tanzanian national Kanuti Konrad on July 30, 2026, within Kasarani Sub-County. Prosecutors allege they stole an iPhone 17 valued at Sh60,000, a Nokia handset worth Sh1,000 and two Mimic mobile phones valued at Sh15,000 while using violence during the commission of the offence.
Court documents indicate that the incident began after Konrad and his wife, Beatrice Naliaka, travelled to Baba Dogo to deliver an Apple Smart Watch ordered through an online marketplace.
The prosecution alleges that shortly after arriving, the couple was ambushed by a group of men, handcuffed and bundled into a waiting Toyota Axio.
Konrad was allegedly forced to withdraw Sh17,000 before the suspects demanded an additional Sh1million.
Investigators told the court that the gang later drove to the Equity Bank Githurai 44 branch, where Konrad was ordered to enter the banking hall and withdraw the money while his wife remained under guard inside the vehicle.
However, Konrad is said to have discreetly alerted a bank teller, who informed security personnel and officers from the Special Crime Prevention Unit.
The ensuing police operation saw officers fire warning shots before arresting Obewa, who is alleged to have owned the getaway vehicle.
Police told the court that during interrogation, Obewa implicated several serving police officers, leading to the arrest of Inspector Muraguri later the same day.
Investigators further disclosed that several other suspects believed to be police officers remain at large.
They identified the wanted suspects as Oliver Baraza, Job Sidiga and Cyrus Onyango, saying efforts to trace and arrest them are ongoing.
The prosecution had urged the court to detain the accused as investigations into the alleged criminal network continued.
However, the proceedings took an unexpected turn after both the complainants and the accused informed the court that they had reached an out-of-court settlement. Following the application, the court allowed the withdrawal of the case.
