By Tajeu Shadrack Nkapapa
In a bizzare case of Matatu operators and passengers on the face value but dangerous thugs in reality, hawk eyed Operations Support Unit (OSU) detectives have arrested a gang of six men.
The gang have been posing as matatu operators in Parklands only to turn against passengers, rob them of their valuables, kidnap others and later abandon them after completing their evil mission.
According to the DCI the six hoodlums who have been operating while on board a matatu Reg. No. KAQ 654A were arrested following a tip off from a member of the public.
The said informer happened to have witnessed the accident where another vehicle was hit and badly damaged by the said matatu along Kipande road. Prior to the accident, the robbers had kidnapped and robbed a passenger only to be involved in an accident after which they fled the scene.
“On the fateful day, the thugs who were posing as matatu operators heading to town are reported to have picked a passenger at Kempinski only for part of gang members to disembark from the matatu leaving the lady at the mercy of their fellow robbers,” the DCI explained.
“Upon starting their mission, the lady started screaming and calling for help causing the robbers to panic causing an accident that gave them up to a hawk eyed member of public who later confided in the DCI on what she had discovered on the fateful day,” DCI added.
The DCI stated that upon receiving the tip, a prompt and resourceful team of OSU detectives was organized and dispatched on a mission that resulted in the apprehension of Boniface Wachira Mwangi, Jackson Kimani Thuo, Titus Mburu Njonjo, Dennis Omondi Otieno, George Vincent Otieno, and John Waweru Njenga, the latter of whom was discovered in possession of five mobile phones and one tablet.
“As efforts to arrest a female gang member who is still at large gain momentum, we appeal to anyone who may have fallen victim to the activities of this gang to come forward and make a report at DCI Headquarters Operations Directorate for further action,” DCI stated.
The DCI urges anyone who may have been a victim of this gang’s criminal activities to report to the DCI Headquarters Operations Directorate for further assistance.
The DCI also encourages the public to continue sharing information anonymously through the #FichuaKwaDCI toll-free number 0800 722 203, stressing that community cooperation is key in ensuring safety and security for all.