Thugs raid M-Pesa shop in Garissa, make away with Sh1.3 million

Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations in Garissa are analysing CCTV footage that caught suspected thugs stealing Sh1.3 million from an M-Pesa shop in Garissa.

The incident is reported to have happened on Thursday evening in Dobale area, Galbet ward, Garissa township.

In the less than a minute footage, the two hooded men wielding AK 47 rifles are seen entering the shop at 7:40 pm and order those inside to lie down as two others stand guard outside.

They are then seen disappearing using the same motorbike that dropped them. No one was injured in the incident.

According to eyewitnesses, the gunmen numbering five seemed to understand the shop’s operation and its environment well.

One of the visibly terrified eye witnesses who did not wish to be identified said that one of the gunmen threatened to shoot him if he dared to scream or refuse to cooperate.

“They stormed the shop immediately one of my colleagues left to go and get some fuel from the store. All I remember is the gun-wielding men telling the two of us who were in the shop to lie down. Everything happened so fast and with a blink of an eye they have left with all the money,” he said.

Idle Khalif who also works in the shop said that one of the gunmen threatened to shoot him forcing him to cooperate with them.

Speaking to the press in his office, Garissa County Police Commander John Samburumo said that police officers visited the scene and secured the CCTV footage that he said will help in tracing the criminals.

“We are also calling on members of the public to closely work with the officers from the DCI and help in identifying the criminals through the CCTV footage. We will surely catch up with them sooner rather than later,” he said.

Samburumo further called on residents to go about their business assuring them that the police were working round the clock to ensure that the lives and property of the residents are protected.

Galbet Ward MCA Abubakar Khalif has written to the security apparatus in the area requesting enhanced security patrols.

This is due to multiple incidents of insecurity that have been reported in the area.

In the letter, Khalif raised concern that insecurity has become increasingly rampant within his ward, with the Thursday incident being the third case reported in the Dobale area.

He said the suspected criminals armed with crude weapons such as guns, daggers and pangas have been targeting businesses and individuals and snatching phones in several areas.

These include Bula Punda, Bula ADC, Dobale, Bula Medina, Bula Hagara and Burburis.

"It is my humble appeal that you provide extra security surveillance and patrols in those areas to protect the citizens and their properties," the letter reads in part.

It adds: "The safety and well-being of our community are of utmost importance, and your prompt action in addressing this issue will be greatly appreciated.”