by CYRUS OMBATI
Tuesday June 6, 2023
Ciku Muiruri Image: Courtesy
Security agencies have been scrambled to investigate claims by media personality Ciku Muiruri that her daughter Erica Gachoka and her friend Shanice Agose are missing after suspected abduction in Nairobi.
Detectives detailed to investigate the matter said a message was later sent to Muiruri’s brother demanding a ransom of Sh250,000 be sent to her number by close of business Monday.
The message was sent from Erica’s number, the family says.
“Please I was kidnapped last 9te (night) by some Somali and I am almost headed to Somalia if 250k is not sent by COB tomorrow. Please help,” read part of the message, which has been shared with authorities.
No word yet from the so-called kidnappers, the family said.
Multi-agency teams are now investigating the incident. The teams have talked to various parties they believe can help in the probe.
A distressed Muiruri said the incident happened Sunday, June 4 morning in Nairobi.
The radio legend took to Facebook on Sunday night to share how her daughter Erica and her friend Shanice were abducted by a taxi driver.
"Peace be with you all. Novena is below. But first, I have a very special favour to ask each and every one of you. In the early hours of Sunday morning (2am), my daughter and a friend of hers were abducted by a taxi driver," she wrote.
"We know that prayers can move mountains. Stop wars. Please pray for my daughter Erica Njeri and her friend Shanice Agose as part of your intentions. Also, and this is very important, pray for those who have taken them, that their souls may not be lost."
She asked her followers to join her in seeking God's hand in the matter while also attaching a prayer - part of the catholic 'Novena' series of prayers she has been conducting over the last week.
"I'm going to do everything in my power to get her home safely but I know that we cannot even tie our shoes without God's Grace," she said.
"I have no control over what they are doing to her, where she is or if I will ever see her alive again. Only God can help her."
She said she will not eat until she is reunited with her child.
"I will not have a bite to eat until she is safely returned. And I have faith that with all your prayers, she will be returned to me safe and sound. Jesus, I Trust in You. Please Lord, don't let them harm my baby," she said.
Erica Gachoka is a 26-year-old University of Nottingham alumni and the founder of the Le Ngai Foundation.
Erica has been pushing for access to blood for all Kenyans and had participated in the 2013 Chicago Marathon to raise money for a mobile blood unit.
She participated in the race to help the BloodLink Foundation raise Sh4.3 million to purchase a mobile blood donation unit to help mobilize blood donors to ensure sufficient safe blood for needy Kenyans.
Police said they are investigating the claims.