Inspector Kelvin Mwangi Muraguri, the Deputy Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Drive In Police Post in Nairobi, was arraigned at Makadara Law Courts on August 3, 2026. He faces charges linked to a kidnapping, robbery, and extortion ring that targeted online business vendors in the city.
Muraguri appeared in court alongside Stephen Okello Obewa, who is also charged in connection with the syndicate. Both face robbery with violence charges under Section 296(2) of the Penal Code.
Details of the Crime
The charges stem from an incident on July 30, 2026, in Kasarani sub-county. The accused allegedly robbed Kanuti Konrad, a Tanzanian national, forcibly taking an iPhone 17 worth Ksh 60,000, a Nokia phone worth Ksh 1,000, and two Mimic phones valued at Ksh 15,000.
Konrad and his wife, Beatrice Naliaka, had gone to Baba Ndogo to deliver an Apple Smart Watch ordered online when they were ambushed. They were handcuffed and forced into a white Toyota Axio. The gang coerced Konrad to withdraw Ksh 17,000 and demanded a ransom of Ksh 1 million.
The suspects drove to Equity Bank in Githurai 44, where Konrad secretly alerted bank staff while inside. This triggered intervention by armed guards and a Special Crimes Prevention Unit patrol, resulting in the arrest of Obewa, the getaway vehicle owner.
Further Investigations and Arrests
- Obewa’s interrogation revealed involvement of several serving police officers.
- Inspector Muraguri was arrested later the same evening.
- Authorities are pursuing additional suspects, including Oliver Baraza, Job Sidiga, and Cyrus Onyango.
The prosecution asked the court to remand the suspects as investigations into the broader extortion network continue. However, the case was withdrawn following a formal out-of-court settlement between the complainants and the accused.
