Three travellers, including two Chinese nationals and their Kenyan driver, were reportedly attacked and robbed of nearly Sh4 million after suspected police impostors intercepted their vehicle along the Nairobi-Keroka Road in Nyamira County.
Highlights
- Two Chinese nationals and their Kenyan driver were targeted in Mekenene.
- Suspects allegedly used a flower-decorated Toyota Probox to stop their BMW.
- Sh3.9 million in cash was reportedly stolen.
- Phones, personal belongings, documents and identification cards were also taken.
- Police suspect the robbery may have involved an inside job.
Main Story
Travellers Stopped by Suspected Police Impostors
Police in Nyamira County are investigating a robbery in which two Chinese nationals and their Kenyan driver were allegedly attacked by men posing as law enforcement officers.
The incident was reported on Saturday, September 19, after the three travellers were intercepted around Mekenene along the Nairobi-Keroka Road.
According to the victims, a Toyota Probox overtook their blue BMW before forcing them to stop. The vehicle had been decorated with flowers, giving it the appearance of a car associated with a wedding procession.
Two men reportedly emerged from the Probox carrying devices that looked like police walkie-talkies. Believing they were dealing with genuine officers, the driver stopped the BMW.
Millions Stolen During Attack
The situation allegedly turned violent shortly after the vehicle stopped.
The suspects are said to have assaulted the occupants by kicking them before taking Sh3.9 million in cash.
A Huawei mobile phone valued at approximately Sh50,000 was also reportedly stolen, alongside personal belongings worth an estimated Sh200,000.
The attackers further made away with confidential company documents, identification cards and other personal credentials belonging to the victims.
After the robbery, the suspects reportedly returned to their Probox and drove away from the scene.
Police Probe Possible Inside Job
Detectives have since launched investigations, with a special team assigned to establish what happened and identify those behind the robbery.
Police have also questioned the victims as investigators piece together the events leading up to the attack.
Authorities are reportedly exploring the possibility that the suspects had prior knowledge of the cash and may have obtained information from within the victims’ circles.
Growing Concern Over Targeted Cash Robberies
The Nyamira incident comes amid concerns over robberies targeting people carrying large amounts of cash after visiting banks.
Police investigations into similar cases have previously pointed to criminal groups monitoring banking halls and identifying customers who withdraw substantial amounts before following them to their destinations.
In some cases, investigators believe the criminals receive information from insiders, allowing them to know who is carrying significant amounts of money.
Law enforcement agencies and financial institutions have been working on strategies to disrupt these networks, with some suspects in previous cases arrested and taken to court.
The latest Nyamira robbery is expected to add pressure on authorities to tighten measures against criminals who track cash movements and impersonate police officers to gain access to their targets.
When criminals can turn the appearance of authority into a weapon, the real challenge is not only recovering stolen money but restoring public confidence in those entrusted with keeping people safe.
