On the morning of 23 May 2010 at 2.45 am, I was accosted by a six man gang at the gate of my house. I had just arrived at the gate from RFUEA rugby grounds on Ngong Road and had parked my car and headed to my house when a voice from behind asked me where I was going. Initially, I ignored it but the owner of the voice insisted that it is me he was talking to. I turned around only to come face to face with a gun totting man, who ordered me to lie down – on my tummy. With him were two accomplices – one of whom came over to assist the gun holder to go through my pockets and disposes me off all the possessions I had on me. All the while they were demanding that I produce a gun they were told I had. I told them severally that I did not own a gun. They then ordered me into my car and to lie on the back seat. One of the gangsters sat on my head whilst another sat on my legs. I was thus completely pinned down. We drove off for a short distance, where I heard some people being ordered to enter the boot of my car. We then drove at high speed. After some time we stopped and I was ordered out of the car. I was led into the car they had followed me in. I noticed that we were in Otiende Estate. In the other car I was made to lie down in the similar manner as in the first instance.
We then drove off and went all over the city. All this while they were threatening me, they asked me for my PINs, which I did. They wanted a name of some one they could call to demand Kes 1m as they hold me hostage. They said they will take me to Mashimoni (a place I later learnt is in Kibera) to hold me hostage. I informed them that I did not have any one with that kind of money. So they gave me a choice – either produce money or I lose my life. I told them if that is what they want to do – so be it. They now turned their attention on other people who they accosted and robbed for the next 2 hours +.
They robbed – at least from the little I could deduce – a petrol station (I do not know which one), someone in an estate and a Tuzo milk delivery truck. There were others who were robbed but I cannot tell what or who was robbed but I could hear people being ordered to lie down and the gangsters coming back into the car fast and driving off fast as well. Eventually, at about 5 am we arrived at an isolated location. I was ordered out again and told to enter and sit in the co-drivers seat of my car. They took off.
I gathered my thoughts and assessed the situation. I realized I was in Bahati Estate near the PAG Bahati Church. I also felt some movement in the boot. The watchmen from our estate were in the boot. I apprised them of our situation. I told them that if we remained where we were we faced the danger of other local thugs chancing on us. If that were to happen and we did not have any money left, they could really harm us. Yet if we drove off, we could easily be shot by the police on patrol because for sure the number plate of the car had been circulated. We chose the later in the hope that if we saw a patrol car we would stop, come out and surrender, telling the police what had happened. Luckily we made it to the Police Station in Langata where I reported the incident.
Lessons I learned.
I kept praying to God when I was not talking with them. I asked God that if it is his will that I die, then let it be. I was surprised how calm I was when I responded to their choice of being held hostage for ransom or being killed. I calmly told them that I or any of my friends/relatives cannot raise Kes 1m they were suggesting and my fate is in their hands. I sounded sincere that they turned their attention to robbing others.
Staff
Note:
Police have advised that car jacking is on the increase with most incidents taking place at Residential gates/compounds are highly vulnerable – please be observant and alert those inside to let you in without wasting time.
Your first reaction determines whether you live or die.
Obey them instantly.
Do not panic just keep calm.
Do not scream
When you are taken hostage listen keenly at all times to what is asked of you
Ensure if you have an ATM card that you remember the PIN and Mpesa PIN as well – not doing so will put you in danger.
It does not pay to hide ATM card/s under the mats – they will turn the car interior inside out especially if they have the time like the gangster who carjacked me did. If they find such item they are looking for hidden they can kill you for wasting their time.