Suspect freed by citizens in suspected case of abduction in Nakuru

Residents confront a man claiming to be a police officer after he arrests a suspect in Nakuru city. [Standard, File]

Irate members of the public confronted men who claimed they were civilian-dressed police who arrested and cuffed a man in Nakuru city.

 A video that has gone viral shows a cuffed man struggling to free himself from another person outside Shoppers Paradise Building.

 In the video, residents confronting the man, claiming to be a police officer, were heard demanding to know the crime the cuffed man had committed.

 “Why are you arresting him? Show us that bhang you are claiming he has,” said the well-built man as other members of the public yelled.

 Another woman is heard in the background demanding that the alleged officer identify himself.

 The incident comes in the wake of rising abduction cases which those who demanded the release of the suspect who dripped a white shirt and a blue trouser referred to.

 “You must identify yourself. This is how you are abducting people. Free him. You are not leaving this place with him,” another person shouted as screams grew even louder.

 The outnumbered officer in civilian was forced to take a step backwards and climb on top of a flower bed while still holding on to the suspect.

 Shortly, boda boda riders joined by other residents are seen grabbing the suspect as one of the women is seen using her hands to hit the officer in a bid to free the subdued youth.

 It is then that a uniformed police officer armed with an AK47 gun arrived to rescue his colleague and took control of the situation, separating the suspect from the man claiming to be a police officer.

 “Free him. Free him!” the residents chanted as the uniformed officer who is said to have been manning a nearby bank struggled to calm the residents.

 Minutes later, the officer in civilian clads opened the handcuffs setting the suspect free as the crowd cheered.

 It was however not immediately established whether indeed the arresting officer was a genuine police officer or an imposter.