A family in Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, is mourning the loss of their 17-year-old son, Nasri Ali Kitali, who was tragically killed by kidnappers after his family failed to raise the KSh 280,000 ransom they demanded.
According to Nasri’s uncle, the young man and his cousin were initially arrested by police. The cousin was later released along with their motorcycle, but Nasri remained in custody.
The kidnappers contacted the family, threatening to kill Nasri if they did not pay the ransom. In a chilling moment, the uncle heard Nasri pleading for help, saying, “Uncle, I am being killed.”
The family received a call claiming that their son was at a police station in Moshi. However, they soon learned that he had been brutally beaten by his captors.
Tests revealed that Nasri suffered severe head injuries from being struck with a heavy object, causing swelling in his brain. Despite being taken to a hospital for treatment, he succumbed to his injuries.
“I am in so much pain because he was so young and we relied on him,” his uncle lamented. “He has never stolen anything; he was still a schoolboy.”
The uncle expressed frustration over how Nasri fell into the hands of criminals after being left with police.
Police commander Simon Maigwa confirmed that Nasri and his cousin were fleeing from law enforcement when they became separated.
One of them ended up in the hands of individuals who began extorting money from them.
As investigations continue, the family seeks answers about how this tragedy unfolded and why they were not informed about any ongoing investigations following Nasri’s death.
