The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has issued a stern warning against the rising trend of false missing persons reports, a practice the agency says is straining police resources and spreading misinformation to the public.
In a statement released this week, the DCI revealed that several recent cases, initially reported as genuine disappearances, turned out to be carefully crafted hoaxes. According to the agency, these deceptive cases not only mislead the public and media but also divert attention and manpower away from actual emergencies.
One such incident occurred at Akila Police Station, where a man named Zain Tarip reported that his nephew, Idd Mubarak Rashid, had gone missing on the night of April 3. The case drew attention, with concerns of possible abduction. However, six days later, Rashid resurfaced and claimed he had been kidnapped by two unidentified men. Following detailed investigations, detectives discovered that Rashid had not been abducted but had voluntarily eloped with his girlfriend—whose relationship his uncle disapproved of.
In another case reported on April 4, a woman named Nusu Roba Wako was declared missing, sparking an intensive manhunt. She was eventually found and arrested while hiding with her boyfriend, Doyo Gufu. Investigators confirmed that Wako had eloped and deliberately cut off all communication to avoid being traced.
“Some of these fabricated missing person cases receive media coverage, leading to the dissemination of false information to the public,” the DCI noted, emphasizing the broader consequences of such hoaxes.
The agency is urging the public to refrain from filing false reports, warning that those found guilty of doing so will face legal consequences. “Individuals found perpetrating these hoaxes will face the full extent of the law,” the statement read.
The DCI emphasized the importance of using investigative resources wisely, especially as genuine missing person cases continue to require urgent and thorough responses. The agency called for increased public responsibility and honesty, reminding Kenyans that misusing law enforcement systems not only jeopardizes investigations but also endangers lives.
