Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Wednesday, September 18 arrested a gang posing as matatu operators to rob travelers of their valuables.
DCI’s Operations Support Unit (OSU) nabbed the six male suspects in Parklands, Nairobi. While pretending to be matatu operators, they were, in reality, dangerous criminals.
The arrested individuals include Boniface Wachira Mwangi, Jackson Kimani Thuo, Titus Mburu Njonjo, Dennis Omondi Otieno, and George Vincent Otieno.
Detectives also arrested John Waweru Njenga, who was a receiver of stolen goods. He was found with five mobile phones and one tablet.
The DCI explained that the gang would turn against passengers, robbing them of their valuables, kidnapping some, and abandoning them after completing their crimes.
“The six hoodlums, operating a matatu (Reg. No. KAQ 654A), were arrested following a tip-off from a member of the public,” the DCI said.
The informer witnessed an accident where the gang’s matatu hit and badly damaged another vehicle along Kipande Road.
Prior to the accident, the robbers had kidnapped and robbed a passenger before fleeing the scene.
On the day of the incident, the gang, pretending to be matatu operators heading to town, picked up a passenger at Kempinski along Waiyaki Way.
Shortly after, part of the gang disembarked, leaving the passenger alone with the other robbers.
When the woman realized what was happening, she began screaming and calling for help, causing the robbers to panic.
Their panic led to the accident, which caught the attention of a bystander who later reported the incident to the DCI.
Upon receiving the tip, OSU detectives acted swiftly, leading to the arrest of the suspects.
Also Read: Suspects Captured Attacking an Individual with a Panga & Knife Arrested
DCI Appeal to Kenyans
The DCI added that efforts to apprehend a female gang member, still at large, are ongoing.
“We appeal to anyone who may have fallen victim to this gang to come forward and report at DCI Headquarters Operations Directorate for further action,” the DCI said.
Additionally, the DCI encourages members of the public to continue sharing intelligence tips anonymously through the #FichuaKwaDCI toll-free number 0800 722 203.
Also Read: Former President Moi Grandson Arrested
Police Arrest 3 Gang Members
Earlier, police officers from Yala Police Station captured three notorious machete-wielding gang members who had been terrorizing residents of Ginga village in Gem, Yala Sub-County.
The officers arrested Dominic Omondi, 23, Christopher Oduor, 20, and Fahad Junior, 19, at their secret hideout after widespread public outcry over their involvement in violent robberies in the Yala area.
During the arrest, officers uncovered incriminating evidence, including a rungu, two blood-stained knives, three machetes, an NYS jacket, and three bundles of cannabis sativa, among other items.
The trio remains in custody, awaiting arraignment.
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