Residents of Kairi village in Mathioya Sub-County, Murang’a County, are in shock following the abduction of former MCA Joseph Machiri and his son, David Machiri, by armed assailants.

On the night of August 11, 2024, a group of masked gunmen invaded Joseph Machiri's home. The 60-year-old, who served as a member of the Murang’a County Assembly from 2013 to 2017, was seized by the attackers who were captured on CCTV footage. The intruders, armed and wearing masks, used gas cylinders to break into the house after cutting the power.

Earlier that day, David Machiri was abducted from his residence in Thogoto, Kiambu County. According to the family, the assailants, numbering over ten, arrived at the Kairi home shortly before 11 p.m., disabled the electricity, and took both father and son.

The family's lawyer, Ndegwa Njiru, revealed that both Joseph and David had recently been granted bail in a high-profile Sh1.5 billion fraud case involving David's former employer, a bank. David was arrested on July 12 and charged with defrauding the bank. The court had denied the prosecution's request for a 21-day detention and granted bail.

Njiru criticized security agencies, suggesting that the abductions might be part of a broader pattern of abuse of power. He has called on Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki to intervene and ensure the safe return of his clients.

Machiri’s wife, Nancy Wambui, recounted the terrifying night, explaining that they had just settled into bed when their dogs began barking aggressively. She and her neighbors discovered the gunmen breaking into their home. Kenneth Mwangi, Machiri’s brother, described seeing the armed men and being ordered to leave the area despite being armed himself.

David’s wife, Susan Mwaura, reported that she found missed calls from her husband but could not reach him afterward, leaving her deeply concerned about his whereabouts.

Mathioya Sub-County Police Commander Paul Karobia confirmed the abductions and stated that the investigation is ongoing. “We have received reports that the perpetrators were armed and used a vehicle without number plates,” Karobia said. “The DCI is actively pursuing leads, and we are hopeful for a breakthrough soon.”