Police: Kidnappers snatch Canadian father in Kenya capital, demand ransom

Kidnappers snatch Canadian father in Kenya capital

NAIROBI, Kenya — A Kenyan police official says a Canadian citizen has been kidnapped after dropping his child off at school in Kenya’s capital.

The officer said Friday the man works for an aid organization and was taken Wednesday near the International School. He says the family have received ransom demands. He asked for anonymity as he is not authorized to speak to journalists.

Ross Hynes, Canada’s ambassador, says the embassy is investigating.

Last year Kenya was hit by a kidnapping epidemic. Most victims were Kenyans who were released after a ransom was paid using mobile telephone transfer. Only a few victims were foreigners.

About half of Kenyans live on less than $2 a day but there is also a thriving middle class and many foreigners living in Nairobi.