Fear gripped travellers along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway after armed suspects posing as passengers hijacked a public service vehicle in Kibwezi, Makueni County, leaving two people nursing gunshot wounds and raising fresh concerns over security on the busy transport corridor.
Highlights
- Armed suspects reportedly boarded the matatu pretending to be passengers.
- Two victims, including a female trader, suffered gunshot injuries during the robbery.
- The attackers stole passengers’ valuables before abandoning the vehicle and escaping.
- Police have launched investigations as the suspects remain at large.
- The incident has renewed concerns over highway insecurity in the Kambu area.
Main Story
Morning Journey Turns Violent
A routine early morning trip turned into a frightening ordeal after a 14-seater matatu was reportedly seized by armed criminals shortly after leaving Kibwezi.
The incident is said to have happened at around 5:30 a.m. near the Kalulu area along the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, where the suspects allegedly revealed their weapons after blending in with other passengers.
Passengers Robbed as Gunshots Ring Out
Authorities say one of the men sitting near the driver drew a firearm and forced the driver out of the vehicle before the gang began robbing passengers of cash and other valuables.
During the robbery, two passengers, a man and a woman, were shot and seriously injured. The woman is reported to be a well-known businesswoman from Kambu Shopping Centre.
The injured victims were taken to Makindu Level Four Hospital for treatment.
Vehicle Abandoned as Suspects Escape
After completing the robbery, the attackers reportedly drove the matatu to the Ngwata area near the Standard Gauge Railway bridge, where they abandoned it before fleeing.
Most passengers escaped further harm after being ordered out of the vehicle during the incident.
Police Launch Manhunt
Security officers have begun investigations and are searching for the suspects, who had not been arrested by Monday afternoon.
The attack adds to growing concerns over violent robberies and carjacking incidents that have been reported along sections of the Nairobi-Mombasa Highway, particularly around the Kambu area.
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