Six Suspects Arrested After Violent Highway Robbery in Mbooni East
Police in Mbooni East Sub-County have arrested six suspects following a violent highway robbery incident that left passengers injured and robbed of their valuables along the Mbumbuni–Muuani road. The swift police operation has been praised by residents, who have recently raised concerns over rising cases of highway crime in the area.
The incident occurred when a complainant was traveling from Mbumbuni to Muuani aboard a Probox vehicle. According to police reports, the journey took a terrifying turn upon reaching Sofia Shopping Centre in Muuani, where the vehicle was ambushed by a coordinated group of attackers. Some of the suspects were riding a motorcycle, while others lay in wait by the roadside, suggesting the robbery was well planned.
Eyewitness accounts indicate that the gang blocked the vehicle’s path before striking the front windscreen with a shaving machine, shattering it and forcing the driver to stop. To further intimidate the occupants, one of the suspects brandished what appeared to be a firearm, later confirmed to be a toy gun. The display of the weapon caused panic among the passengers, leaving them vulnerable to attack.
Once the vehicle was immobilized, the suspects reportedly descended on the passengers, assaulting them and inflicting head injuries. The attackers then robbed the victims of cash, handbags, mobile phones, and other personal valuables before fleeing the scene. The victims were left shaken and injured, prompting an immediate report to the authorities.
Following the report, officers from Mbumbuni Police Station launched a rapid response operation, initiating a manhunt to track down the suspects. Acting on intelligence from members of the public and evidence gathered from the scene, police were able to identify and pursue individuals believed to be involved in the robbery.
The operation culminated in the arrest of six suspects identified as Richard Muthoka, Mwenda Mutuku, Alex Musembi, James Musembi, Kevin Kioko, and Dennis Mambo. The arrests were made at different locations within the area as officers tightened the net around the suspects.
During follow-up searches, police officers recovered crucial evidence linking the suspects to the crime. A search conducted along a footpath leading to the house of two of the suspects resulted in the recovery of a handbag belonging to the complainant. Additionally, a toy pistol believed to have been used to threaten the victims was recovered from one of the suspects, Mwenda Mutuku.
Police officials say the recovery of the stolen handbag and the toy gun strengthens the case against the suspects and demonstrates the effectiveness of coordinated police work and community cooperation. Investigators are now working to determine whether the group is linked to other similar highway robbery incidents reported in the region.
Residents of Mbumbuni and surrounding areas have welcomed the arrests, describing the robbery as part of a worrying trend of attacks targeting motorists, particularly during evening and early morning hours. Many have called for increased police patrols and surveillance along key road networks to deter criminal activity.
“The attack was very violent and could have easily resulted in loss of life,” said a local trader near Sofia Shopping Centre. “We are relieved that the suspects have been arrested, but we urge police to maintain pressure on criminals who are terrorizing road users.”
Police have assured the public that security operations in Mbooni East Sub-County will be intensified. Officers have also warned motorists to remain vigilant, avoid isolated routes at night when possible, and report any suspicious activity promptly.
The suspects are currently in police custody undergoing processing as investigations continue. Authorities have confirmed that they will be arraigned in court once the investigations are finalized. If found guilty, they are expected to face serious charges related to robbery with violence, which carries severe penalties under Kenyan law.
Law enforcement agencies have reiterated their commitment to protecting road users and urged the public to continue cooperating with police by providing timely information that can help prevent and solve crimes. As the case unfolds, residents hope the arrests will serve as a strong warning to criminal gangs operating along highways in the region.
