Detectives are investigating a gang that stole Sh3.4 million from a shopkeeper in Kisumu County’s Nyalenda area.
The victim reported that he was attacked on Thursday night by three men posing as customers at his wholesale shop. Two of the men drew pistols and demanded he hand over all his cash. They then took the Sh3.4 million, two Samsung phones, and Sh189,000 intended for his M-Pesa business.
According to police, the robbers fled on an unknown motorcycle to an undisclosed location. Hours later, one suspect was located and arrested for questioning after being identified by witnesses. Authorities suspect the robbery may have been an inside job, indicating the gang had prior knowledge of the cash on hand.
Detectives involved in the case noted that this type of attack is unusual and are following additional leads for further arrests.
In a separate incident in Kigumo, Murang’a County, suspected thieves raided the Kanjathi Coffee Factory in Kamukabi, attacking the guards and stealing cherry coffee valued at Sh670,000. The assailants broke through the factory’s main gate with crude weapons and made off with approximately 6,700 kilograms of cherry coffee, loaded onto a waiting vehicle. The guards sustained minor injuries but were rescued.
Additionally, a team of detectives is investigating a robbery in Maralal, Samburu County, where a businesswoman reported losing Sh800,000. The woman, who runs an electronics and M-Pesa shop in Kisma Trading Centre, was closing up when a group of six men, two armed with firearms and others with crude weapons, forced their way inside. They assaulted her and two employees before taking a handbag containing the cash and two mobile phones. The gang fired shots into the air as they fled on waiting motorcycles.
Police believe the attackers had prior knowledge of the money and are actively working to track down the suspects and recover the stolen weapon. Authorities have noted a rising trend in armed robberies despite ongoing efforts to combat this issue.
