Second suspect arrested in highway heist, Makueni

Police in Makueni have arrested a second suspect linked to the highway motor vehicle theft that occurred on July 13, 2025, along the Mombasa–Nairobi highway.

The arrest follows the earlier arrest of his accomplice, who was arrested on Monday at Ukia, Makueni Sub-County.

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The investigative trail led detectives to suspect he is believed to have played a key role in coordinating the attack and getaway.

“He is now in custody, undergoing processing to enjoin his case, currently before the court,” police stated.

The first suspect, a 38-year-old man, was believed to be the mastermind behind a violent highway ambush that left a motorist injured and his car stolen.

The suspect was apprehended in Ukia, Makueni Sub-County, after a coordinated forensic and tactical operation led by officers from Makindu.

Authorities also recovered the stolen silver Subaru Trezia, which had been taken during the attack.

According to police, the incident unfolded when the victim, en route from Mombasa to Malaba, offered a lift to two hitchhikers in Mariakani.

As they neared Kiunduani Market, one of the passengers requested to alight.

When the driver slowed down, two men emerged from a nearby thicket, struck him with a blunt object, and fled with his vehicle and personal belongings.

The driver was later treated at Makindu Sub-County Hospital and discharged in stable condition.

On May 9, 2025, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations announced they had recorded a sharp increase in motor vehicle theft cases across Kenya since the start of the year.

The DCI said this worrying trend led to significant financial losses for vehicle owners and negatively affected the economy through a surge in insurance claims and non-performing loans from financial institutions.

“Criminals have been using various methods to execute these thefts,” the DCI said.

They include stealing vehicles from parking lots, exploiting car hire services, engaging in robbery with violence and carjacking.

To contain the situation, DCI boss Mohamed Amin said the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) launched a coordinated research and enforcement operation to disrupt and dismantle the criminal syndicates behind the incidents.

He said the operation focused on high-risk counties such as Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Embu, Machakos, Kajiado, Nairobi, Kisumu, Kakamega, Busia and Bungoma.