Police arrest six suspected robbers masquerading as matatu crew

Police have arrested six men suspected of posing as matatu operators to rob passengers in Parklands.

Police said Operations Support Unit (OSU) detectives arrested a gang of six suspects who allegedly turned against passengers, robbed them of their valuables, kidnapped others, and later abandoned them.

The six suspects were arrested following a tip-off from a member of the public.

According to police, the said informer happened to have witnessed the accident where another vehicle was hit and badly damaged by the said matatu along Kipande Road.

Before the accident, the robbers had allegedly kidnapped and robbed a passenger only to be involved in an accident after which they fled the scene.

The suspects, who were posing as matatu operators, headed to Nairobi CBD and were reported to have picked up a passenger at Kempinski.

They then let a part of the gang members disembark from the matatu, leaving a lady passenger at the mercy of their fellow robbers.

"Upon starting their mission, the lady started screaming and calling for help, causing the alleged robbers to panic, causing an accident that gave them up to the public, who later confided in the DCI on what she had discovered," the statement reads.

Police assembled a team of OSU detectives after receiving the tip and arrested the six suspects.

One of the suspects was found in possession of five mobile phones and one tablet.

Police said efforts to arrest one suspected female gang member are currently underway.

They appealed to Kenyans to share any information that may lead to the suspect's arrest.

"We appeal to anyone who may have fallen victim to the activities of this alleged gang to come forward and make a report at the DCI Headquarters Operations Directorate for further action," police said.

"We encourage members of the public to continue sharing intelligence tips anonymously through the #FichuaKwaDCI toll-free number, 0800 722 203."