Businessman Jaswant Singh Rai has been released just days after being abducted by armed men in broad daylight at the intersection of Wood Avenue and Lenana Road. According to his lawyer Kioko Kilukumi, the businessman was set free by his abductors on Friday.
Footage from CCTV cameras on Friday evening around 5.30pm showed a Toyota Landcruiser V8 on Wood Avenue. Ten seconds later, a double cab pick-up hurriedly passed and overtook before obstructing the Toyota Landcruiser at the junction of Wood Avenue and Lenana Road.
Three gunmen exited the vehicle and immediately approached the driver’s side.
They forced open the door and extracted the driver from the vehicle before taking him into their own vehicle and driving away. The abandoned car remained at the scene, with other motorists seen overtaking it.
It was subsequently revealed that the kidnapped individual was businessman Singh Rai, the Chairman of the Rai Group of Companies, which is the proprietor of West Kenya Sugar Company.
Kilimani Sub-County Police Commander Moss Ndiwa told reporters that his officers were alerted about an abandoned vehicle along the road over an hour after the abduction. The vehicle was later towed to the station.
Mr. Ndiwa also confirmed that a family member of Rai filed a missing person report at the station on Saturday, a day after the abduction. Detectives at the station are currently investigating the matter.
The police boss dismissed any insinuations of police involvement in the kidnapping.
This comes only a month after a businessman involved in cement production, edible oils, and sawmilling was arrested upon returning to the country from abroad. He was questioned on suspicion of undermining the revival of Mumias Sugar Company. The case is still ongoing.
While touring Bungoma County on Sunday, President William Ruto associated the businessman with a coalition of vested interests that he accused of obstructing the government
The police commander dismissed any insinuations of police involvement in the kidnapping…
This latest occurrence comes only a month after a businessperson involved in cement production, edible oils, and sawmilling was apprehended upon returning to the country from abroad. This individual was questioned on suspicion of undermining the revival of Mumias Sugar Company.
The legal proceedings for this matter are still ongoing.
While touring Bungoma County on Sunday, President William Ruto associated the businessman with a coalition of vested interests that he accused of obstructing the government’s industry reform plans. He vowed to confront them directly.
“So, don’t worry, I’m here fully alert. I will ensure that this situations remains under control, and all the schemers are right here. Don’t worry, no one will come to lecture us in English here, talking about some Indian guy or whoever, someone else is telling me about Rai. No, that’s not possible. This belongs to the people, and we won’t tolerate anyone taking advantage of the people in this region,” President Ruto said.
In light of the President’s statements, questions arise about the possible involvement of government agents in the businessman’s abduction.
