Police Launch a Probe into Alleged Abduction and Torture of Blogger Dennis Itumbi

Police have opened a probe into the alleged kidnapping of blogger Dennis Itumbi.

In a statement on Friday, National Police Service (NPS) Spokesperson Bruno Shioso said detectives will be seeking to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.

He further appealed to the public to be patient during the investigation and desist from speculation.

“We further appeal to members of the public who may have information regarding the incident to volunteer and report to any police station or through our hotline numbers 999,112 or 0800722203,” reads the statement in part.

The incident was reported at Thindigua Police Post and booked under OB number 10/23/12/2021.

Itumbi, who serves as Deputy President William Ruto's digital strategist, was reportedly picked up by four unknown men outside a barbershop along Kiambu Road where had gone for a shave.

Eyewitnesses said the suspected kidnappers approached him as he left the barbershop and forced him into a silver Toyota Allion before driving off towards Nairobi. 

Through Twitter on Thursday night, Itumbi's brother David Itumbi said they found him at a hospital along Thika Road.

"My brother has been badly beaten. We thank God that he is alive. On his own account, he was arrested by police and beaten and tortured. This is the state we found him in. Please pray for his recovery," wrote David.

Photos shared on social media show Itumbi on a hospital, with his hands and legs bandaged. One photo shows blood oozing from his left eye.