The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has issued an alert on a new trick used by gangs across the country to rob taxi drivers.
In a statement, DCI stated that the gangs especially targeted taxi drivers who were offering long distance services or driving through remote areas.
The gangs, noted DCI, disguised themselves as rich customers who wanted to hire the taxis for long distance trips or trips with several pickup points, after scouting and identifying a driver who seemed gullible.
“The DCI cautions taxi operators to be wary of an ongoing trend by criminal syndicates that are hiring taxi services for either long distances or trips with several pickup points while guised as cash-rich customers, only to turn violent robbers along the way.
“A member of a well-organized criminal ring identifies a target whom they deem vulnerable to a good deal of money out of the ordered trip, and whose car suits their need,” stated DCI.
How the Gangs Executed the Theft
Further the statement explained that on the way, the customer will notify his accomplices of the trip and alert them to wait along the route.
The gang leader, who ordered the trip, then offers more money to the driver and request him to pick up his friends along the way.
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The gang then turn on the driver, attack him or her and rob them off their vehicles and property, other times killing them.
“With promises of an extra inconvenience fee for the stop, the driver goes ahead to let onboard new passengers. In some occasions, the accomplices lie in wait at the drop off point.
“Usually, the route or destinations picked will have secluded areas, where the gangs turn against the drivers, robs them off their vehicles and at times murder them in cold blood,” added the statement.
DCI On Previous Cases of Such Robbery
Additionally, the directorate revealed that a 42-year-old male taxi driver fell victim of the scheme on January 14.
The driver was hired for a trip from Nairobi Central Business District (CBD) to Nakuru but was robbed at Kikopey Police Post within Gilgil, Nakuru County. The gang members then dumped him at Diatomite area in Gilgil where he was discovered by officers.
“Once in Naivasha, the customer requested that they pick his two friends at Karagita area before setting off towards Nakuru.
“A short moment into the final stretch of the journey, the passengers turned against the male driver before robbing him of his vehicle and dumped him at Diatomite area in Gilgil,” narrated DCI.
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However, police officers tracked the suspects to Bungoma County, arrested them and recovered the vehicle. They were found in possession of seven sim cards, five national ID cards and two driving licenses.
“Francis Ojerepata Omoindi, 39 and Jack Odhiambo Otieno, 38 were both arrested, and the vehicle recovered, before being handed over to DCI Gilgil for further police action.
“While the DCI understands the challenge in identifying potential threats by hardworking taxi drivers who wait late to ensure their customers get to their destinations safely, we encourage operators to be vigilant and report any suspicion of danger to the police through the various police hotlines,” warned the directorate.
