The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has sounded the alarm over a rising trend of false missing persons reports, cautioning the public against misusing police resources and misleading the public.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the DCI revealed that a number of fabricated abduction cases have not only wasted investigative resources but also caused unnecessary panic, especially when such reports are amplified through media channels.
One of the cases highlighted involved a report filed at Akila Police Station by Zain Tarip, who claimed his nephew, Idd Mubarak Rashid, had gone missing on the night of April 3, 2025. After six days of searching, Rashid reappeared and claimed he had been abducted by two unknown individuals and held captive.
However, detectives were not convinced by his story. “Upon investigative interviewing, detectives uncovered the truth: Rashid had actually eloped with his girlfriend, whom his uncle is not happy with him marrying,” read the DCI’s statement.
In a similar case, Nusu Roba Wako was declared missing on April 4, 2025, prompting the deployment of a specialized team to locate her. Their efforts led them to a hideout where Wako was found in the company of her boyfriend, Doyo Gufu. The couple was arrested and taken to Lang’ata Police Station.
“Investigations have since revealed that Wako had also eloped with the boyfriend and gone incommunicado,” said the DCI.
The Directorate has warned that filing false reports is a criminal offence under Kenyan law. “Such actions divert critical resources and attention away from genuine cases that need immediate intervention,” the DCI cautioned.
With growing concern over the misuse of police services, the DCI has urged members of the public to act responsibly and desist from filing misleading reports. Offenders risk prosecution and potential jail time if found guilty of falsifying information.
The DCI reiterated its commitment to ensuring public safety and upholding the integrity of police investigations, even as it deals with increasing incidents of deception disguised as distress.
