Police in Kijabe are on the hunt for a gang of three armed robbery suspects who accosted a motorist at a bridge along the Old Kijabe Road on Wednesday night. The daring heist left the victim traumatized and robbed of Sh70,000, a Samsung Galaxy S22, and several credit cards.
According to DCI post on X, the incident occurred shortly before 11 p.m. when the unsuspecting motorist encountered a log blocking the bridge. As he stepped out of his vehicle to remove the obstacle, the gang, armed with machetes and a metal pipe, ambushed him. Threatening him with dire consequences, the robbers coerced the victim into surrendering his valuables. They also forced him to reveal his M-Pesa PIN, transferring Sh70,000 from his account.
However, the gang’s operation was disrupted by the sight of an approaching vehicle. In the ensuing distraction, the victim seized the opportunity to flee to the nearby Rift Valley Academy, where he sought refuge.
The academy’s security team acted swiftly, alerting the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) at Kijabe Police Station. Officers responded promptly, assisting the victim in retrieving his car and safely escorting him home. Meanwhile, a team of officers combed the nearby thickets in search of the suspects, but their efforts proved unsuccessful.
Detectives from Lari Sub-County have now taken over the case, employing advanced investigative techniques to track down the violent gang. They are urging residents to remain vigilant, especially when traveling along secluded roads at night, and to report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
The Kijabe incident is a stark reminder of the growing trend of criminals using decoys to trap unsuspecting victims. Motorists are advised to exercise caution, particularly in isolated areas, and to avoid stepping out of their vehicles in such situations. Instead, they should contact authorities or seek help from nearby establishments.
Police continue to call on the public for any information that could lead to the arrest of the suspects and ensure the safety of road users in the region.
