A Citi Hoppa bus driver who attempted to save Tanzanian human rights activist Maria Sarungi Tsehai during her abduction on Sunday, January 12, 2025, has shared his experience.
Isaac Mwangi, the driver, tried to thwart the abductors’ plans by blocking their vehicle along Argwings-Kodhek Road in Kilimani, Nairobi County.
Mwangi displayed courage by attempting to intervene in Sarungi’s kidnapping despite the risk posed by the armed assailants.
Recalling the incident, Mwangi said he noticed an unusual commotion in his rearview mirror, prompting him to act. He forced the abductors to enter the Metropolitan Court, where he attempted to trap their vehicle since the court has no exit.
“I saw the commotion through my side mirror. When they got closer, I blocked them. Afterward, I moved forward,” Mwangi narrated.
“They tried to enter the Metropolitan Court, but knowing there was no exit, I reversed to block them inside.”
Despite his bold actions, the abductors managed to escape with Sarungi, though she was later released unharmed.
Citi Hoppa driver Reveals How Abductors Pulled Out a Gun
Mwangi expressed regret, stating that the situation could have been contained if other drivers had blocked the front exit.
The abductors reportedly brandished their guns when they realized Mwangi was determined to stop them.
“Those recording the incident could have helped by blocking the front. The abductors pulled out a gun when they saw me trying to move forward,” Mwangi added.
Tension Erupts in Kirinyanga Over Abduction Fears
Meanwhile, unrest broke out in Nakuru and Kirinyaga counties after crowds turned violent against officers attempting to arrest suspects.
In Kimanyeki Village, Kirinyaga County, residents clashed with detectives accused of attempting to abduct a local. The situation escalated when a Subaru vehicle, commonly associated with abductions, was spotted, leading to the vehicle being set ablaze.
“People are alarmed when they see Subaru cars because of recent incidents in Nairobi and other regions. That’s why they torched the vehicle,” said Abubakar Muthui, a local resident.
Also Read: How Bus Driver Attempted to Block Abductors of Tanzanian Activist
The crowd demanded the officers identify themselves and explain their mission.
“The detectives were in plain clothes, and people suspected an abduction like those seen elsewhere,” another resident said.
The officers, tasked with arresting Jackline Gatwiri, a robbery-with-violence suspect, were forced to release her amid the chaos.
Gatwiri was later rearrested after tensions subsided.
Also Read: DCI Explains How Officers in Subaru Survived Mob Justice
Nakuru Residents Fight Officers Who Tried Arresting a Man
In Nakuru, a similar confrontation unfolded on January 13 when a plainclothes officer attempted to arrest a man carrying a backpack and suitcase. The suspect raised the alarm, claiming he did not know why he was being arrested.
“The crowd gathered when the man started shouting for help. He said he didn’t know why he was being handcuffed,” a witness reported.
The situation escalated when the officers failed to produce proper identification, further fueling mistrust among onlookers.
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