The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has exposed an ongoing robbery trend targeting taxi drivers.
In a statement, DCI warned taxi operators to be weary of customers requesting either long distances or trips with several pickup points.
According to DCI, this is a well-coordinated scheme where the robbers pose as customers after identifying their target. They then alert other members of a criminal gang along the way.
"A member of a well-organized criminal ring identifies a target whom they deem vulnerable to a good deal of money out of the ordered trip, and whose car suits their need," DCI explained.
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"The "customer" negotiates with the taxi driver on the charges for the trip, and while on the way communicates with one or more accomplices who will be conveniently waiting along the route. With promises of an extra inconvenience fee for the stop, the driver goes ahead to let onboard new passengers. In some occasions, the accomplices lie in wait at the drop-off point," the statement added.
"Usually, the route or destinations picked will have secluded areas, where the gangs turn against the drivers, rob them off their vehicles and at times murder them in cold blood."
The warning followed a case where a taxi driver was hired by a customer to drive him to Nakuru from Nairobi. Once in Naivasha, the customer requested that they pick up his two friends in the Karagita area before setting off towards Nakuru.
The passengers then turned violent, robbed him and dumped him at the Diatomite area in Gilgil. The victim then reported the incident at Kikopey Police Station.
DCI officers tracked the suspect where they were apprehended and the stolen vehicle was recovered.
"In their possession were seven sim cards, five national ID cards and two driving licences. Their case is ongoing at the Chief Magistrate's Court in Naivasha as the pursuit for other accomplices continues."
