In a disturbing turn of events, 23-year-old Lydia Anyango was arrested in Busia, Kenya, for impersonating a General Service Unit (GSU) officer while in possession of a one-month-old baby, suspected to be the victim of a kidnapping. The arrest, which occurred on November 12, 2024, has sparked urgent concerns over the child’s welfare and the need for a thorough investigation.
According to the Busia County Police Commander, John Odhiambo, the incident came to light when officers noticed the woman, dressed in what appeared to be a GSU uniform, walking around with the infant. Suspicious of her behaviour and the lack of proper documentation for the child, the police officers quickly intervened and confronted the woman.
The suspect, identified as Lydia Anyango, reportedly left her home in Funyula only to return with a one-month-old baby. [Photo/Courtesy]
“The woman’s attire and the circumstances surrounding the baby immediately raised red flags for our officers,” Odhiambo stated. “We acted swiftly to apprehend her and launch a comprehensive investigation into the matter.”
Upon closer inspection, the authorities discovered that the woman was not, in fact, a legitimate GSU officer, but rather an impersonator. She was promptly arrested and taken into custody, while the baby was placed under the care of the authorities.
“The well-being and safety of the child are our top priorities,” Odhiambo emphasized. “We are deeply concerned about the circumstances surrounding this incident and are working tirelessly to uncover the full details of the case.”
The Busia County Police Department has formed a special task force to handle the investigation, collaborating closely with the Kenya Police Service and other relevant agencies to gather more information. Authorities are leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to determine the origin of the child and the motives behind the woman’s actions.
“We are committed to protecting the vulnerable and ensuring that those responsible for any wrongdoing are held accountable,” Odhiambo assured. “The arrested individual is facing charges, including impersonation of a law enforcement officer and potential child abduction, and will be arraigned in court in the coming days.”
This incident has sent shockwaves through the Busia community, with many residents expressing concerns about the safety of children in the area. Local authorities have vowed to take all necessary measures to address the situation and prevent similar occurrences in the future.
“We understand the fear and anxiety that this incident has caused, and we want to assure the people of Busia that we are doing everything in our power to ensure the safety and security of our community,” Odhiambo stated. “We urge the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activities or concerns to the authorities immediately.”
As the investigation continues, the Busia County Police Department is appealing to the public for any information that may assist in the case. They have also promised to provide regular updates on the progress of the investigation and the well-being of the child.
