Kidnappers release victim after long wait for Sh10 million
David Muriithi the father of the kidnapped boy Oscar Muriithi speaking to the media at their home at their home at Kiaritha village in Kirinyaga County yesterday Photo/Jane Mugambi
The family Lorry that Oscar had borrowed from his parents to assist a friends to shift from Embu to Kirinyaga only for the assistance to turn out to be a kidnapping ordeal.Photo/Jane Mugambi
A family in Kirinyaga is relieved after their son was released by kidnappers on Sunday. Twenty-one-year old Oscar Muriithi was set free after 14 days. Speaking to the media at their home, Muriithi's father, David Muriithi, said though his son has suffered in the hands of the kidnappers, he was happy to see him alive. He said Muriithi had been called by a friend in Kirinyaga to go assist him move houses. He said his son borrowed the family lorry and left for Kirinyaga on July 14.
He said his son's friend turned against him and set him up when they got to Kirinyaga. Muriithi was kidnapped and blindfolded and shortly after that he passedout. Muriithi said his son told him that he was locked in a dark room and he could only hear people talking outside. Muriithi said the kidnappers were demanding a Sh10 million ransom. The kidnappers also warned Muriithi not to report the matter to the police. He said that for the 14 days that their son had been in the hands of the kidnappers, police have been investigating the matter in a bid to arrest the kidnappers.
Muriithi told reporters that he did not send any money to the kidnappers. His son said he was thrown out of a moving car on Friday night at Rwambiti area in Gichugu while still blindfolded. His hands and legs were also tied. Oscar was rescued by his neighbours who reported the matter to the police. When his family found him, Oscar's face was swollen, he had a black-eye and more was confused and exhausted.
His father says that they are not safe any longer as the kidnappers continue to issue threats that the next target will be their daughter who after the release, Oscar warned her of going alone or even going to meet people despite them being friends. Oscar revealed that when he was being released, he left behind an 8 year old girl and a man who he has urged the police to try, trace and rescue the two before they are killed as the kidnappers are women who are very rough when one does not coordinate with them. The lorry was found abandoned outside Embu provincial general hospital with the loader inside asleep but being drugged.