Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations
(DCI) in Athiriver are investigating a robbery where two passengers en route to Mombasa were robbed of Sh409,000 and other valuables.
Posting through their social media platforms, the DCI
revealed that the incident occurred on Saturday as the victims sought transport
from Mlolongo.
According to a statement by the DCI, the victims, a man from
Kiambu and a woman residing in Mombasa, were approached by the driver of a
private car offering the two travellers a lift to their destination.
“The two were waiting for a Mombasa-bound bus at Mlolongo on
Saturday, when the driver of a private vehicle with seemingly three other
passengers pulled over, offering to help given the transport challenges being
experienced across the country on this Christmas eve,” DCI said.
The DCI revealed that upon reaching Athiriver, the car occupants revealed their true intentions.
“But after boarding, the vehicle occupants turned to be
robbers, who on reaching the Simba Cement area of Athiriver brandished daggers and
held them hostage. The victims were blindfolded and restrained using ropes before they were frisked for valuables,” DCI said.
The male victim was forced to surrender access to his mobile
banking apps from which a total sum of Sh340,000 was withdrawn.
An additional Sh20,000 was stolen from his M-Pesa account.
The robbers also made away with his Samsung Galaxy phone and power bank
collectively valued at Sh75,000.
The female victim was robbed of valuables and Sh9,000 from her M-Pesa account.
Following the ordeal, the gang abandoned the victims in the
Ngarariga area of Limuru who were rescued by good Samaritans and taken to Ngarariga
police station.
“Luckily, no serious injuries were inflicted on the victims.
The case was referred to DCI Athiriver for investigation,” DCI stated.
The DCI has urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to ensure public safety during the festivities.
“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 neighbourhoods, so that we can all enjoy the true meaning of a happy festivity,” DCI said