Business magnate Jaswant Singh Rai, the Chairman of Kabras Sugar and the Rai Group of Companies, has been released from captivity after a chilling abduction that took place on Friday.
His lawyer, Senior Counsel Kioko Kilukumi, has confirmed the development, shedding light on the ordeal that had captured public attention.
Rai's harrowing ordeal unfolded at a bustling junction along Wood Avenue in Kilimani, where his Toyota LC200 was ambushed by armed assailants.
According to Kilukumi, the abduction was carried out by individuals driving a grey double-cab pick-up truck. CCTV footage revealed the brazen attack, as four men forcefully pulled Rai and his companions out of the vehicle before speeding away towards Galana Road.
The businessman's disappearance sparked an immediate response from law enforcement agencies.
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Kilimani Police Station received reports of an abandoned vehicle matching Rai's description and subsequently towed it to the station.
Moss Ndiwa, Kilimani Sub County Police Commander, noted that the car had only sustained minor damage from the pick-up's contact.
Ndiwa confirmed that Rai's family members promptly filed a missing person's report, underlining the gravity of the situation.
"She also confirmed that the vehicle towed to the station was his," Ndiwa clarified in a statement.
This statement aligned with the family's interpretation of the CCTV footage, which pointed towards a case of kidnapping.
However, Ndiwa remained cautious in confirming the exact nature of the incident.
The Director of Criminal Investigations, Amin Mohamed, addressed the matter, emphasizing that they were not holding Rai.
"We do not have a detention facility, but the matter is under investigation," Mohamed said.
The police's stance adds another layer of intrigue to the situation, prompting further questions about the motivations behind Rai's abduction.
The circumstances surrounding the abduction gain even more significance given recent developments in the business landscape.
Just a month prior, another prominent businessman had been arrested in connection with suspicions of sabotaging Mumias Sugar Company's revival efforts.
These events, coupled with President William Ruto's strong statements against industry corruption during his visit to Bungoma County, have raised speculations about potential state involvement in Rai's kidnapping.
President Ruto's firm stance on tackling industry-related corruption further fueled these speculations.
During his visit, he underscored the importance of protecting the interests of the citizens and vowed to confront any elements hindering reforms.
However, he did not explicitly link Rai's case to the ongoing industry struggles.
As Rai reunites with his family following his release, the public awaits further developments in this perplexing case.
The incident has raised important questions about the safety of business leaders, the role of law enforcement, and the broader challenges facing the industry.
As investigations continue, the nation will keenly observe the unfolding narrative to uncover the truth behind the daring abduction of one of Kenya's notable businessmen.
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