How gemstone brokers’ leader was kidnapped
What you need to know:
Mr Jeremiah Kituyo, who is the chairman of Arusha Gemstones Association said yesterday that he was kidnapped by unknown people while he was in Arusha Region on January 28 this year.
The kidnappers, he said, kept him in a room at a place where he could not easily tell because he was blindfolded and given one meal per day which kept him alive for nine days.
Dar es Salaam. Mr Jeremiah Kituyo, who is the chairman of Arusha Gemstones Association said yesterday that he was kidnapped by unknown people while he was in Arusha Region on January 28, this year.
The kidnappers, he said, kept him in a room at a place where he could not easily tell because he was blindfolded and given one meal per day which kept him alive for nine days.
The incident took place at Mt Meru Hospital’s premises where he went to take part in the burial arrangements for his departed neighbour.
“I was walking alone alongside the hospital’s Mortuary fence when suddenly, I was forcibly taken into a car. An unknown person covered my eyes with a cloth,” he told The Citizen over the telephone yesterday.
The kidnappers, he said, dumped him at Msasani area in Dar es Salaam at 9 PM on Tuesday, February 5 when lady lucky knocked when good Samaritans came to his rescue.
“With the help of good Samaritans, I telephoned by younger brother. He arrived at the scene that night and took me to Oysterbay Police Station,” he said.
He added: “I then went to TMJ Hospital for initial treatment. The doctor there transferred me to the Muhimbili National Hospital (MNH) for specialised treatment.”
MNH Public Relations officer John Steven confirmed to have received Mr Kituyo and that he was treated and on Wednesday at around 3.40 am. “He came in the company of a younger brother but after being treated, he was discharged on the same day at around 4pm,” he added.
He said the abductors did not leave him with any serious injury. Mr Kituyo said his condition had improved, reiterating that he did not sustain serious injuries.
“I have no idea who is behind this, but I thank God that I’m alive and safe. I’m currently continuing with medication,” he said.
Reports of his abduction went viral on social media networks, adding to a series of recent incidents in the country that have included the recent abduction and killing of innocent children in Njombe District.
