Two families in Bomet County are pleading for answers from the government after their loved ones were abducted by masked gunmen on December 7, 2024. The victims, Kevin Kiplangat alias Elvis and Dominic Kipng’eno alias Muge, were driving along Mahi Mahiu Road when their vehicle was targeted. The circumstances surrounding their abduction remain shrouded in mystery, leaving the families in a state of anxiety and despair as they seek information about their kin’s whereabouts.
Details of the Abduction
According to witnesses, the ordeal began when a Subaru motor vehicle trailed the victims’ Toyota Prado. This car, occupied by armed men believed to be police officers, reportedly opened fire on the Prado, deflating its tires. As the vehicle veered off the road, hooded gunmen descended upon it and forcefully took the occupants Kevin Kiplangat, Dominic Kipng’eno, and a female adult into their custody. The witnesses recount seeing these hooded men, masked and armed, dragging the occupants from the vehicle before driving off with them.
In the aftermath of the abduction, the family members of the missing individuals were unable to reach them as their mobile phones were promptly switched off. Shortly thereafter, the police towed the abandoned Prado to the Lari Police Station. The families have been left in limbo, with no information regarding the reasons behind the abduction or the current condition of their loved ones.
Efforts to Trace the Missing Persons Prove Futile
Since the abduction, efforts by the families to trace their loved ones have been futile. They have engaged local authorities and the police in Bomet, but their appeals for information have gone unanswered. The victims’ families have also reached out to higher government offices, including the Ministry of Interior and Coordination, in an effort to elicit a response and find out more about their kin’s fate. However, these attempts have yet to yield any results.
The families are now pleading for the intervention of the state, demanding that it take responsibility for their safety and provide information about their whereabouts. “We need answers. We need to know where our loved ones are. It’s been five days now, and there’s no communication from the government or the police,” says one of the victims’ relatives, his voice breaking with emotion.
A Mysterious Case with Few Clues
The abduction of Kiplangat and Kipng’eno raises several questions, particularly about the involvement of law enforcement officers. While it’s been reported that the abductors were masked and armed, there has been no official confirmation of whether they were indeed police officers or impersonators. The police have not yet provided a statement about the case, fueling suspicions and increasing the families’ concerns about their loved ones’ safety.
Adding to the complexity of the situation is the criminal history of Kevin Kiplangat. He was previously arrested in February 2024 during a crackdown on online fraudsters in Bomet County. Kiplangat, along with others, was arraigned at Kericho Law Courts on charges related to robbery with violence. This link to a previous criminal operation has led some to speculate that his abduction could be tied to his past activities in the cyber world. However, there is no concrete evidence to support this theory, and the police have not yet confirmed if the abduction is related to Kiplangat’s past criminal activities.
Government’s Response and Ongoing Investigations
The Bomet County Police Command has acknowledged the abduction and confirmed that investigations are ongoing. However, the slow pace of progress has been a source of frustration for the families. The police have promised to update the public as soon as new information becomes available, but with each passing day, the families grow more anxious and distressed.
In the meantime, the families of the missing individuals continue to appeal for help, hoping that their loved ones will be found safe and returned home. They urge the government to expedite the investigation and to provide clarity on what happened to Kiplangat, Kipng’eno, and the female victim. The community remains on edge, awaiting answers and praying for a resolution to this distressing situation.
As Bomet County grieves, the abduction of these two men serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced in curbing crime and ensuring safety for all citizens, especially in regions affected by organized crime and illegal activities. The families, the community, and the government alike hope for a swift resolution to this troubling case.
