The gang targeted two Kenyans, a man and a woman, who were on their way upcountry for the Christmas holiday.
The robbery took place on the 22nd of December, 2024, in the Mlolongo area, along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway.
The victims, who were waiting for a bus to Mombasa, were approached by three people in a private car.
The gang members pretended to be kind-hearted individuals willing to offer them a ride. The man, a 30-year-old, and the woman, aged 28, were unsure but agreed to accept the ride, hoping to ease their travel stress.
As the car drove away from Mlolongo, things quickly took a scary turn.
"We thought we were just being helped," the man later told the police. "But they started threatening us, and that's when we realized we were in danger."
The robbers pulled out daggers and ordered the victims to remain quiet. They tied the couple’s hands, blindfolded them, and began searching their bags for anything valuable.
The gang robbed the man of Ksh340,000 from his banking apps and Ksh20,000 from his mobile money account.
His phone and a power bank, worth about Ksh75,000, were also taken. The woman, too, suffered a loss, with Ksh49,000 withdrawn from her mobile money account.
The robbers didn’t just stop at cash and phones. They took other valuables, including the woman’s handbag and jewelry.
“We were so scared,” the woman explained. “We didn’t know what was going to happen to us next.” But despite the terrifying ordeal, no physical injuries were reported.
The victims were later abandoned in Ngarariga, Limuru, a few hours from where the crime happened. A good Samaritan helped them get to the nearest police station, where they filed a report.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Athi River is investigating the case and has warned the public to be careful, especially during the holiday season when many are traveling.
A police spokesperson said, “We urge Kenyans to remain vigilant. If you see anything suspicious, report it immediately. We are doing everything we can to bring these criminals to justice.”
Authorities have warned travellers to be cautious of such scams.
“This gang is targeting unsuspecting people, offering help when in reality, they are criminals,” said a police officer involved in the investigation. “The victims were fortunate that they didn’t suffer serious harm, but others might not be as lucky.”
As part of their crackdown, police have increased patrols along major highways and busy travel hubs.
“We are also stepping up our efforts to ensure no one else falls victim to these criminals during the holiday season,” said a police officer.
The DCI has urged the public to avoid accepting rides from strangers, especially those who appear too eager to help.
“It’s better to trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t,” the police spokesperson added.
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