For years now, Nigeria has been battling a crime wave that involved kidnappings, demand for ransom and/or killings.
So high have the cases been that strategies and plans on how to end the crime have been drawn and revised with various degrees of implementation.
Victims have always been the wealthy and politically connected, who are believed to be in a position to pay a ransom.
The same crime has also been reported in other parts of the world, including Brazil, where footballers’ relatives have been targets due to footballers' riches.
Disappointingly, the same crime wave is now rearing its ugly face in various parts of Kenya. Mombasa, Nairobi and parts of Nyeri have in the recent past all reported cases of kidnappings.
In some of those cases, the victims have ended up dead, with their bodies exhibiting clear torture marks.
Those that were lucky to escape have told of horrid tales, which include being sprayed with chemicals to lose consciousness, being transported to unknown destinations, kept in squalid conditions in dingy places and being forced to call their families to pay the ransom.
Most of the recent cases have involved young girls but there are also cases of children and the elderly involved as victims.
In one of the cases, a young woman was reportedly last seen at her workplace in Eastleigh.
Days later, a video of her with torture marks on her face and with hands and legs tied appeared on social media. In the video, she was appealing to the family to pay the ransom.
In another case, a 72-year-old man was kidnapped but resurfaced days later. It is not known whether the ransom was paid or he was just released. In yet another case, a primary school girl went missing but was found the day after.
What is clear is that there is a sharp rise in the numbers of kidnappings in Kenya.
HAKI Africa has in the last two weeks recorded over 10 cases of various nature.
What appears to be clear is that those targeted are middle class with the majority being from the Somali community.
It can be deduced that the assumption being made by the kidnappers is that persons of Somali origin have money and so would be in a position to pay the ransom.
It is also clear that they are targeting young girls in the hope that families would be more worried about their safety and chastity compared to boys who are at the most time comfortable when out and about.
The increase in kidnappings, also questions the efficiency of the police service.
It is disturbing to note a new serious crime taking shape right in the eyes of security authorities.
While it is commendable the DCI was able to rescue one of the victims this week, the fact that people still feel unsafe raises questions about the police.
They need to do more to reign in on these new criminals who are causing fear and anxiety in society.
Article 29 of the Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to security. As taxpayers, that security needs to be guaranteed and upheld and at all times.
Until police are able to rid the public of these criminals, the duty of safety is upon individuals, families and communities. Precautionary measures must be taken at all times.
For now, until it is safe again, young girls and children should not be in public alone. When they venture outside, they must be in the company of others.
Secondly, when outside, people should use main streets that are well lit and with more people compared to lonely streets that are dark.
Thirdly, all persons must be wary of their surroundings. Caution should be taken to observe what is happening around and take note of approaching vehicles and motorbikes.
For the young and social at heart, care should be taken when posting on social media.
One must be careful not to reveal their whereabouts or movements. It could be that this is what the kidnappers are using to identify where and how to find their next victim.
Let’s all stay safe and take care of each other.
