Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have rescued a missing baby and arrested four suspects following investigations into the abduction of an infant in Pipeline, Embakasi, Nairobi.
The child was recovered on July 16 after detectives launched investigations into her disappearance on July 8.
According to police, the ordeal began when the mother, who was seeking employment, was allegedly lured by a man who promised to help her secure a job at a nearby hotel.
In a statement, the DCI said the woman’s search for work turned into a distressing ordeal after she was convinced to leave her child in the care of a stranger while job arrangements were being finalised.
“A mother’s desperate search for a job spiralled into a nightmare when her infant was stolen by a cunning syndicate. Thanks to relentless efforts by DCI detectives, the baby has been safely reunited with her family, and four suspects are in custody,” the Directorate said.
Detectives said the mother had explained that she had no one to care for her baby at the time. The man allegedly took advantage of the situation and persuaded her to leave the infant with a woman he claimed operated a nearby business.
“Lacking anyone to care for her baby, the mother was lured into a web of deceit. The man convinced her to leave her child in the care of a woman, claiming she ran a nearby business while they finalised job details. Moments later, the man vanished without a trace,” the DCI stated.
Realizing she had been tricked, the mother reported the matter at Kware Police Station. That report triggered an immediate investigation by Embakasi-based detectives.
Following days of surveillance and intelligence gathering, detectives tracked the suspects to Kware Mabatini. During a search at one of the suspects’ residences, officers recovered the missing baby unharmed.
The child has since been reunited with her mother. Four people were arrested in connection with the case. They have been identified as Callen Moraa, Frida Moraa, John Oyweri and Geoffrey Murayi.
The suspects remain in police custody as they undergo processing ahead of their arraignment in court.
DCI said the case highlights a growing trend where job seekers, particularly women with young children, are targeted by criminal syndicates offering fake employment opportunities.
Investigations are ongoing to establish whether the arrested suspects are part of a wider network involved in similar abductions.
Police have urged members of the public to be cautious when responding to unsolicited job offers and to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station.
