Passengers robbed of more than Sh400,000 after accepting 'lift'

Police in Athi River are investigating an incident where a man and a woman, were robbed of over Sh409,000 and other valuables by a dagger-wielding gang who pretended to offer them a lift to Mombasa.

According to officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, the two boarded a private car after the occupants offered them a lift due to a shortage of public service vehicles.

The two were waiting for a Mombasa-bound bus at Mlolongo on Saturday when the driver of a private vehicle, seemingly with three other passengers, pulled over and offered them a lift.

However, upon reaching the Simba Cement area in Athi River, the other occupants of the vehicle brandished daggers.

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The victims were blindfolded and restrained with ropes before being frisked for valuables. “From the male victim, who hails from Kiambu, Sh340,000 was withdrawn from his bank account using mobile banking apps, and another Sh20,000 was taken from his M-Pesa account. His phone and power bank, valued at Sh75,000, were also stolen,” stated the DCI.

The female victim, who resides in Mombasa, was also robbed of several valuables and Sh49,000 from her M-Pesa account.

After the robbery, the two were dumped in the Ngarariga area in Limuru, where members of the public assisted them to the Ngarariga Police Station, where the incident was reported.

Police said robbers have devised new tactics and urged passengers to exercise caution during this festive season.

“Luckily, no serious injuries were inflicted on the victims. The case was referred to DCI Athiriver for investigation,” said police.

Police say robbers have devised new tactics and urging passengers to take cautioned during this festive season.

“As police heighten patrols and crackdowns on such criminal elements who are taking advantage of the season to reign terror on Kenyan citizens, we call upon members of the public to be security cautious and to report any suspicious persons or activities around their neighborhoods,” DCI stated

This comes as bus terminals across the country have descended into chaos, with thousands of travelers jostling for limited tickets to upcountry destinations.