By Dorothy Musyoka
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Athi River has launched an investigation into a harrowing robbery incident where two passengers were ambushed and robbed of over Sh409, 000 and other valuables by a gang posing as good Samaritans.
The victims, a man from Kiambu and a woman from Mombasa, were waiting for a Mombasa-bound bus at Mlolongo on Christmas Eve.
“The two were waiting for a Mombasa-bound bus at Mlolongo yesterday, when the driver of a private vehicle with seemingly three other passengers pulled over, offering to help given the transport challenges being experienced across the country on this Christmas eve,” explained the DCI.
A private vehicle with seemingly three passengers offered them a lift, citing the ongoing transport challenges across the country during the festive season.
However, upon reaching the Simba Cement area of Athi River, the seemingly kind strangers revealed their true intentions. Brandishing daggers, the gang blindfolded and restrained the victims using ropes before frisking them for valuables.
“But after boarding, the vehicle occupants turned to be robbers, who on reaching Simba Cement area of Athi River brandished daggers and held them hostage. The victims were blindfolded and restrained using ropes, before they were frisked for valuables,” added the DCI.
The male victim reported losing Sh340,000 through withdrawals from his bank accounts via mobile banking apps, an additional Sh20,000 from his M-Pesa account, and electronic devices, including a Samsung Galaxy phone and a power bank valued at Sh75,000.
The female victim was robbed of valuables and Sh49,000 from her M-Pesa account.
According to the detectives, the victims were dumped in Ngarariga, Limuru, where local residents came to their aid and directed to Ngarariga Police Station, where the incident was reported.
The case has since been referred to DCI Athi River for further investigation.
However, no serious injuries were inflicted on the victims.Authorities have heightened patrols and are cracking down on criminal elements exploiting the festive season to prey on unsuspecting citizens.
The DCI has urged members of the public to exercise heightened caution and report any suspicious activities or individuals in their neighborhoods.