- DCI explained how six suspects were arrested following a highway robbery in Mumbuni, Machakos county
- The detectives revealed the names of the suspects and the items they recovered following an operation on the suspects’ paths
- The investigators urged Kenyans to help combat crime by reaching out to DCI anonymously through toll-free numbers
Nancy Odindo, a TUKO.co.ke journalist, has over four years of experience covering Kenyan politics, news, and features in digital and print media.
Machakos: Police officers have arrested six young men in connection with a violent highway robbery in Mumbuni, Mbooni East sub-county.
Source: Twitter
According to a report by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the search for the suspects was launched after a complainant who was travelling from Mumbuni to Muuani in a Probox reported an attack.
How did Machakos suspects attack travellers?
The complainant alleged that their vehicle was ambushed near the Sofia Shopping Centre by a gang operating on motorcycles and others hiding by the roadside.
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“The gang hit the front windscreen using a shaving machine while displaying a toy gun, causing the driver to pull over. They were attacked and sustained head injuries before being robbed of their cash and other valuables,” DCI said in a statement released on Thursday, December 25.
In a swift operation, officers from Mumbuni Police Station launched a manhunt that led to the arrest of the suspects.
Who are the Machakos robbery suspects?
According to authorities, the suspects are Dennis Mambo, James Musembi, Richard Muthoka, Kevin Kioko, Alex Musembi, and Mwenda Mutuku.
Following their arrests, the officers conducted a search along a footpath leading to the homes of two suspects, which resulted in the recovery of the complainant’s handbag.
“Also recovered was a toy pistol from one of the suspects, Mwenda Mutuku,” DCI added.
Source: Facebook
The suspects remain in custody and are undergoing processing ahead of their arraignment in court.
Authorities have urged members of the public to continue sharing information that may assist in the fight against crime.
“#FichuaKwaDCI – Call 0800 722 203 (toll-free) or WhatsApp 0709 570 000 to report anonymously. Usiogope!,” DCI urged.
Kenyans react to robbery with violence in Machakos
Gilbert Nyagaka
“While I was having Christmas fun, the security officers were out there making sure I and my fellow citizens were safe. God bless our security officers. Bless their families and always keep them healthy.”
Eliud Mwangi
“Are they connected to the killing of a truck driver that was carrying cement along that route?”
Benki Wayne
“Eti hio gun ni toy? DCI should sue the company for this product… Hii hata polisi akionyeshwa atatoa zote mahn.”
Kaithi Williams
“Robbery with violence. Kuiba panti na vaseline will cost someone not less than 15 years in prison. Hii ni akili gani jameni.”
Múchiri Múúgí
“They will be charged with robbery with violence, and if found guilty, they are looking at 20 years in jail. The experience in jail will change their lives negatively forever. Young men and women, crime doesn’t pay.”
5 suspects arrested along Thika-Embu Road
Elsewhere, DCI arrested five suspects believed to be part of a highway robbery gang operating along the Thika–Nyeri and Thika–Embu roads.
The gang, disguised in jungle fatigues and reflector jackets, would stop lorries pretending to conduct routine checks. They then assaulted drivers, handcuffed them, and locked them in car trunks.
One such incident involved a truck transporting KSh 5.4 million worth of Colgate products from Nairobi to Embu, whose driver was left stranded in Ndarugu-Witeithie.
Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
