Ethiopian businessman kidnapped in Kenya in broad daylight

Samson Teklemichael in a past photo. He is missing since November 19 when he was abducted from the road in Kileleshwa, Nairobi- Handout

NAIROBI, Kenya - A leading Ethiopian businessman was on Saturday kidnapped in broad daylight within the suburbs of Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, police have confirmed, noting that efforts to trace his whereabouts have been activated.

Samson Teklemichael was kidnapped by people believed to be security agents, in the latest wave of impunity where Kenya police are blamed regularly. The incident took place at Kileleshwa within Nairobi according to reports.

An amateur video making rounds on social media shows two men [one in a police uniform], dragging Samson Teklemichael out of his black Mercedes Benz before bundling him to a waiting car.

The businessman is heard pleading to be released as people watched helplessly along the road. His vehicle was abandoned at the scene of the incident with his captors driving to an unknown location.

His wife, Milen Mezgebo, wondered by police officers have not given any progress over the matter, adding that she reported the case at Kilimani Police Station within Nairobi but she's yet to be briefed on progress.

"We are yet to get any report about his whereabouts. I learned the incident from social media, moved to the site, picked the vehicle. Police are yet to make any progress and I am deeply worried about this situation," she said.

She added: "If someone has an issue with him, at least they can take him to court. As far as I am concerned, he has never reported any threat to his life. I urge the police to immediately trace his whereabouts."

The businessman was trading in gas cylinders, a business he has reportedly done for many years. His abduction comes at the time Ethiopia is battling with a civil war in Tigray which has left thousands of people dead.

GAROWE ONLINE