How Woman Was Ambushed and Robbed of Ksh1 Million at Gunpoint

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested two suspects linked to the robbery of a woman who was robbed of Ksh1 million at gunpoint in Chemobo Village, Aldai, Nandi County.

In a statement on Friday, October 30, the agency said the suspects were arrested following an intelligence-led operation in Mudete, Sabatia, after investigations into the October 19 incident.

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"Detectives have apprehended two suspected robbers following an intelligence-led operation in Mudete, Sabatia Sub-County, in connection with a daring robbery with violence incident in which a woman was robbed of Sh. 1M at gunpoint in Chemobo Village, Aldai Constituency, Nandi County," the statement read.

According to the DCI, the incident happened at approximately 2:50 pm when the woman, accompanied by a friend, visited Co-operative Bank's Mbale Branch and withdrew the money, which she intended to use to purchase building materials.

After completing the transaction, the two women boarded a matatu before alighting at Shamakhokho PSV stage, where they hired a motorcycle to continue their journey to Chemobo Village.

The DCI detailed how the suspects intercepted the women while they were travelling on a murram road near Erusui Girls Secondary School.

"Having completed the transaction, the duo boarded a matatu before alighting at Shamakhokho PSV stage, where they hired a motorcycle for their onward journey to Chemobo," the statement added.

The journey was interrupted when a white Toyota Probox suddenly blocked their way. Four men emerged from the vehicle, with two reportedly armed with pistols, before violently confronting the victims.

The attackers stole the Ksh1 million, which had been packed in a shopping bag, before also taking another bag containing the woman's National Identity Card, Co-operative Bank ATM card and an Itel mobile phone.

The suspects subsequently escaped towards Serem Town.

Following the incident, the victim reported the robbery to the police, prompting detectives to launch investigations to identify and track down those responsible.

"Following the report, detectives launched an intensive investigation, deploying intelligence-led strategies to track down the perpetrators," the statement further read.

The investigations culminated in an operation conducted in the dead of the night by Serem-based detectives, led by the Officer in Charge of CRIB Western, DCI Hamisi, alongside officers from DCI Sabatia.

The operation resulted in the arrest of two suspects identified as Charles Alure Kutai, 54, and Hillary Akurumana, 34, within the Mudete area of Sabatia Sub-County.

Detectives subsequently searched Charles Alure's residence, where they recovered several items suspected to be linked to criminal activities.

The recovered items included two pocket phones, one handcuff, ten assorted mobile phones, several Safaricom and Airtel SIM cards, a penknife, a screwdriver and several cut-out motor vehicle registration number plates.

The DCI further linked the two suspects to other reported robbery incidents in the region, saying investigations were ongoing to establish whether they were involved in additional crimes.

"The two suspects are further suspected to be behind a string of similar robberies reported within the region. Detectives are pursuing additional leads, with investigations ongoing to establish the full extent of their alleged criminal activities and apprehend other accomplices who may still be at large," the statement concluded.

Meanwhile, four suspected robbers on Thursday, October 29, hijacked an Isuzu lorry transporting tyres and motor vehicle spare parts along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway. 

In a statement on Friday, the DCI said the incident occurred at the Ndara area at around 2 am.

"The robbery occurred at approximately 0200hrs yesterday when a driver employed by Soucesteel Company was transporting assorted tyres from Nairobi to Mombasa aboard an Isuzu FRR lorry, registration number KDW 062X," DCI said. 

According to the DCI, the suspects were using a white Toyota Probox and overtook the lorry before braking suddenly in front of it.

The four occupants then alighted from the vehicle, falsely claiming that the lorry had hit their car and demanding to inspect the alleged damage.

The suspects subsequently attacked the driver, bundled him into the lorry's cabin and took control of the vehicle.

They drove towards Mombasa before diverting onto a feeder road, where they abandoned the driver in a thicket and escaped with the lorry and its cargo.

"What appeared to be a minor traffic incident quickly turned into a robbery when the suspects attacked the driver, bundled him into the lorry's cabin and took control of the vehicle.

"They drove towards Mombasa before diverting onto a feeder road, where they abandoned the victim in a thicket and escaped with the lorry and its cargo," DCI said. 

The investigative agency also mentioned that the suspects reportedly stole the driver’s mobile phone, Ksh6,000 in cash and personal clothing.

Following the incident police officers from Maungu Police Station and DCI detectives launched an operation in the Izera Ranch and Ndara areas to recover the stolen consignment. 

The operation led to the recovery of 44 assorted tyres, 71 filters, including air, cabin and oil filters, and two PLC gaskets.

"The subsequent police operation led to the recovery of 44 assorted tyres of different sizes, 71 assorted filters, comprising air, cabin and oil filters, and two PLC gaskets, all believed to be part of the stolen consignment," DCI added.

The driver was later escorted to Voi Police Station to assist with investigations as detectives pursue leads to trace the remaining stolen property and apprehend the four suspects.