Detectives have made significant progress in dismantling a violent robbery ring that has been preying on motorists and truck drivers along the Thika–Nyeri and Thika–Embu highways. Several suspects are now in custody following a multi-agency operation that exposed how the gang posed as law enforcement officers to hijack goods in transit.
Highlights:
- Two main suspects arrested in coordinated DCI operation.
- Gang posed as police and KRA officers to ambush truck drivers.
- Stolen goods included maize flour and Colgate products worth millions.
- Three more suspects later arrested for handling stolen cargo.
- Police intensify hunt for two remaining members.
Main Story:
Daring Robberies Along Busy Highways
A four-man gang that had turned the Thika–Nyeri and Thika–Embu highways into crime zones has been cornered by detectives after weeks of violent robberies targeting truck drivers transporting goods.
The suspects, dressed in jungle fatigues and reflector jackets, masqueraded as police officers or KRA agents to stop lorries under the guise of security checks. Once a vehicle pulled over, they would assault the drivers, handcuff them, and lock them in car trunks before making away with the goods.
One such attack occurred on October 8, when a driver ferrying 450 bales of Raha Premium maize flour from Jomax Millers Limited was ambushed and dumped miles away. His vehicle was later recovered in Njiru, Nairobi, completely emptied.
Days later, the same gang attempted to intercept another Jomax truck this time posing as revenue officers but their plan failed after the driver managed to escape.
Another truck driver transporting KSh 5.4 million worth of Colgate products from Nairobi to Embu also fell victim to the same group. The stolen items were later traced to a building in Embu, revealing the gang’s extensive network.
Arrests and Breakthroughs
After days of surveillance and forensic tracking, detectives arrested Festus Kandiki Kanyaru in Ruiru on October 24. He confessed to his involvement and named his accomplices, revealing they had sold hundreds of maize flour bales to a trader in Eastleigh.
His associate, Bundi Stanley Kaumbiri, also known as Bamu, was nabbed the next day at his miraa shop in South B. A search in Pipeline uncovered toy pistols, military uniforms, handcuffs, and other items linked to the robberies.
Both suspects were arraigned, with detectives granted 14 days to complete investigations.
In a follow-up operation, three more suspects Khalid Abdirahman Mohammed, Shueb Ahmed Hussein, and Yusuf Nur Abdullahi were arrested in Eastleigh for handling stolen goods. Police recovered two bales of maize flour from a store in the area.
The suspects are now in custody as detectives pursue two remaining members believed to be in hiding.
Police Call for Vigilance
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has urged drivers and transporters to remain alert when stopped by individuals claiming to be officers, advising them to report any suspicious encounters immediately.
Authorities maintain that the ongoing crackdown will continue until the entire syndicate is neutralized.
As the manhunt continues, the DCI’s message is clear crime may move fast, but justice is always one step behind.
