A six-year-old girl who went missing earlier this week has been rescued in a high-stakes operation in Kibra’s Soweto area.
Reported missing on September 22, 2025, the child was found alive inside an unfinished church building after detectives, supported by the local community policing team, launched an intensive search across Nairobi’s densely populated neighborhoods.
According to the report filed at Runda Police Station, the girl had been collected from school by an unknown individual. Despite the family and authorities acting quickly, initial attempts to locate her did not succeed.
The situation became more alarming when the mother received a threatening message demanding a ransom of Sh300,000 for the child’s release.
Investigators, working closely with the Kibra Sarang’ombe community policing unit, acted without delay. Using intelligence tips and forensic tools, the team focused their search on Soweto, eventually discovering the girl.
“The young girl was discovered sleeping inside an unfinished church building, wrapped in worn-out beddings,” the Directorate of Criminal Investigations stated in a statement on Friday. Officers also recovered her school uniform and shoes at the scene, which had been left behind.
The rescue occurred shortly after the suspected kidnapper had fled. Investigators confirmed the suspect had left moments before police arrived, leaving the child behind. A manhunt is now underway, with detectives following multiple leads to apprehend the perpetrator.
The child has been taken to a medical facility, where she is receiving care and monitoring. Authorities emphasized that her safety and well-being remain a top priority.
Celebrating the success of the rescue, the Directorate underscored the importance of community involvement in preventing crimes.
“The hunt for the suspect continues, with detectives pursuing key leads to ensure the kidnapper is brought to justice,” the statement added.
The DCI also called on the public to provide information anonymously to help capture the fugitive. “#FichuaKwaDCI. Call 0800 722 203 (Toll-free) or WhatsApp at 0709 570 000 to report anonymously. Usiogope!” the agency urged.
Police have vowed to continue searching the area and pursuing forensic leads until the suspect is caught. The operation sheds light on both the dangers children face and the prompt actions taken by authorities to protect them.
As the girl recovers under supervision, her family and the community can breathe a sigh of relief. However, officials warn that the investigation is ongoing, with the alleged kidnapper still at large. Detectives remain committed to bringing the suspect to justice.
With the immediate rescue concluded, efforts now focus on capturing the fugitive. The child’s safe return brings hope, but law enforcement continues to track every lead to ensure the perpetrator faces the full weight of the law.