Detectives have arrested a 28-year-old man suspected of masterminding the kidnapping of an Indian-Kenyan businessman in a bold ransom plot that has left many stunned by its brazenness.
Frankline Otieno Odhiambo, labeled a “soft life enthusiast,” was apprehended after allegedly luring the victim into a carefully planned trap involving a female accomplice identified only as Carol.
According to police reports, the unsuspecting businessman was invited to Carol’s house under the pretext of a business meeting. Once inside, she signaled Otieno and another accomplice known as Adam, who stormed in and accused the victim of committing an undisclosed offense against Otieno.
The kidnappers demanded a hefty ransom in exchange for his freedom, threatening dire consequences should their demands go unmet.
“We were terrified and feared for his life. Raising the money was our only hope as we waited for the police to act swiftly,” said a distressed family member.
Alarmed by the call, the family quickly raised Ksh310,000 as an initial payment before reporting the matter to Parklands and Kabati police stations. They also contacted the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) through its #FichuakwaDCI hotline.
The DCI’s Head of Operations dispatched a team of seasoned detectives backed by forensic experts from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB). Using advanced tracking technology, the officers traced the suspects’ hideout in Mirema, Kasarani.
“This was a well-orchestrated crime, but their attempt to outsmart law enforcement was doomed from the start. We will track down the remaining suspects,” stated the Head of Operations at DCI.
However, luck was on the side of Carol and Adam, who had already taken their share of the ransom and left for a shopping spree when detectives stormed the premises. Otieno was not as fortunate; he was arrested on the spot.
“We never suspected anything unusual. They kept a low profile, but seeing police storm the place was shocking,” said a neighbor living near the suspects’ residence.
Police recovered the mobile phone used to contact the victim’s family, now held as evidence.
The rescued businessman has since been reunited with his family, expressing relief after the harrowing ordeal.
“We are closing in on the accomplices. It’s only a matter of time before they face justice alongside the prime suspect,” said an investigating officer.
Otieno is expected to be arraigned in court today as detectives intensify the search for his a complices.