Alvin and his mother, Angeline Kapkama, were not at peace, especially after Alvin did not return from the loo where he had visited at night. Alvin opened up and narrated what transpired. These people use a spray to paralyze one’s senses.
“It was raining so heavily, I felt like visiting our public convenience, which was outside our house, light was flickering outside our gate, though I’m only 14, I thought it was my duty to find out what it was.”
“Suddenly, two men kidnapped me by throwing a gunny bag around my head and holding me by the neck, which appeared as if they had the aim of strangling me by constricting my mouth and throat in a menacing and well-coordinated style.
“Fright and panic took toll on me, and I was asked to cooperate with them to avoid unspecified action.”
“I was completely dumbfounded. We cruised to a house amid the thicket, which was about 10km away towards Tilak-Centre ‘K’. Though visibility was so limited, the ruts were fresh, I could easily recollect my memory to identify where I was, yes!it was Tilak area,” the boy said.
“It’s getting late, we should rush and kidnap other learners who go to school early,” one of the gang members said.
They all agreed to speed off on their bikes to waylay school-going learners who usually arrive at school by 4 and 5 am.
“I was listening intently to the conversation,” the boy said pensively, and got ready to do the unexpected.
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“Suddenly, I artistically and powerfully pushed myself out of the gunny bag, reached out to the window which I broke and got out of the house. I ran so fast towards Makutano town and was lucky to be saved by soccer fans who had just come from the PSG match and the Chelsea FC.
Lucky enough, I was taken to Makutano Police post, where I spent the night in a police cell, where there were so many drunk women. This was precisely a better place than where I was.”
The area MCA for Mnagei Ward has cautioned school heads against sending learners to school and leaving them during very early or late hours. “If our children are kidnapped, we shall blame the teachers,” he said.
There are now many forests, both natural and those with maize plantations, which are places where criminal activities can occur.
According to one of the assistant pastors, Mrs Ruth Owino, who is in charge of counselling at the Pentecostal Church, learners should be assertive and not just dogmatic.
“Children should realize that a stranger is anyone you do not know, ” she said.
She advised children not to open doors to strangers and to avoid them at all costs.
Ruth advised learners and children to stay and move in groups, selecting safe routes and areas.
She asked them to scream when they are kidnapped, shouting that, “I don’t know these people”
Luckily enough, brave Alvin Kimtai managed to remember where he was taken and led the police to that house.
By Hillary Muhalya
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