Twenty-six-year-old Erica Muiruri, the daughter of media personality Ciku Muiruri, and her friend Shanice Agose, 27, were abducted on June 4 in Nairobi’s Westlands area.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the duo had requested a ride to Kilimani area on Bolt app but were threatened by the driver upon commencing their trip and were taken to a different destination.
“But when the ride arrived along Rhapta road in Westlands and they got in, the driver threatened them using a hammer before speeding off towards Thika,” DCI said.
On Sunday, June 13, the victims were rescued from a one-room house in Mangu and were reunited with their parents. They were later rushed to hospital for medical checkups.
In a statement on Tuesday, Bolt claimed that they played an integral role in the rescue mission and they collaborated with authorities to provide any relevant information.
“We are aware of the recent safety incident and deeply appreciate the local authorities’ efforts to ensure that the young girls were found and safely reunited with their families,” read part of the statement.
“We proactively collaborate with the authorities to provide pertinent information regarding this case that supported the conclusion of this investigation.”
Bolt further advised riders using their app to be cautious when requesting rides, as some individuals may impersonate drivers registered on their app to engage in crime.
“We strongly discourage the use of vehicles that do not match the details on the platform as this was one if the issues that led to this unfortunate incident,” wrote Bolt.
“To address this we show riders the driver and car verification details when they request a ride,” they added.
“Riders are encouraged to confirm that the driver and car registration details during their pickup match those on the app. We immediately block diverts that exhibit such behavior.”
Meanwhile, two suspects Timothy Kiragu Ng’ang’a (34) and Samuel Kipkurui (33) are in police custody.
The kidnappers had demanded a Ksh.250,000 ransom from both parents and are believed to have fed the girls mandazi and water. Police say the girls were rescued alive but visibly weak and shaken. BY CITIZEN DIGITAL