Media personality Ciku Muiruri has opened up about the terrifying week she endured when her daughter, Erica, was kidnapped.

Erica and her friend Shannyce were abducted on June 3 after requesting a taxi using the Bolt app. The abductors demanded a ransom of Sh250,000 for each of them.

Ciku says she turned to prayer following the terrifying incident. She also posted the ordeal on Facebook, which she says elicited ridicule from some people who accused her of having a laid back response to her daughter's abduction.

"Everybody has an opinion," Ciku said. "I decided to go into holy adoration. I went to Burnt Forest where they do nine vigils throughout the night."

The ex-radio presenter breaks down every time she remembers the week-long period when her child was snatched from her, and she did not know how or when she would return.

On June 12, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal investigations put out a post on their social media stating that they had found Erica and Shannyce's kidnappers, aged 26 and 27 respectively, in Mang'u, Kiambu County.

Upon their arrest, DCI identified the two suspects as Timothy Kiragu, 34 and Samuel Kipkurui, 33.

"I felt pure joy," Ciku recalls. "I grabbed my mum and my younger brother and dragged them to a chapel near our home. And I wasn't even telling them what had happened. I just wanted to get down on my knees and thank God."

Ciku says she has forgiven the abductor.

"A year ago, I wouldn't have forgiven him," she said. "I would have wished something crazy on him but right now, I feel empathy for him. I actually feel sorry for him because he is married and his wife and child have no idea what he does."

Erica is still traumatised from the ordeal and has been unable to sleep through the night.

Ciku says she is grateful to the police for their swift action in arresting the kidnappers. She is also grateful to the public for their support during this difficult time.

"I want to thank everyone who prayed for us," she said. "I want to thank the police for their swift action. And I want to thank my family and friends for their support."

Ciku's story is a reminder of the dangers that young people face when they use ride-hailing apps. It is also a reminder of the power of prayer and the importance of community support.