The recent abduction of former Kamacharia Member of County Assembly (MCA) Joseph Machiri is now suspected to be linked to a massive Ksh. 1.5 billion bank heist.
Authorities are investigating how Machiri’s son, a bank manager on medical leave, might have exploited his position to carry out fraudulent transfers.
The bank fraud case captured attention after armed men broke into Machiri’s home in Thogoto, Kiambu County, on Sunday, detaining him. At the same time, another heavily armed group was caught on CCTV breaking into Machiri’s father’s house in Mathioya, Murang'a County, searching for unknown items.
CCTV footage shows a white car arriving at Machiri’s father’s residence, with three men approaching. Shortly after, six masked, heavily armed men stormed the property. Armed with rifles and a detector, they quickly cut the power supply after finding security cameras installed by the former MCA.
The intruders, claiming to be police officers, entered the house where Machiri was with his wife and grandchildren. They conducted an exhaustive search of the premises, moving from room to room, but left empty-handed. Before departing, they took Machiri with them, forcing him to kneel before his family.
Machiri’s brother, Kenneth Mwangi, described hearing the disturbance and stepping outside to investigate, only to be confronted by the armed men, who identified themselves as police officers. The family was shaken as the men left with Machiri after an hours-long search.
Joseph Machiri’s abduction occurred about 12 hours after his son, David Machiri, was similarly taken by individuals believed to be security officers in Thogoto, Kiambu County.
David was previously arrested for allegedly defrauding a local bank of Ksh. 1.5 billion and released on bail despite prosecutors' requests for extended detention.
As the case nears its hearing date, Joseph Machiri has been identified as a person of interest, adding to the family’s complications.
Their lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, has appealed to authorities, including the Acting Inspector General and Interior Cabinet Secretary Prof. Kindiki, for information about both father and son.
Joseph Machiri was eventually released more than 24 hours later and left on a roadside. However, David’s whereabouts remain unknown, leaving the family distressed and uncertain.
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