Six arrested over highway robbery incident in Makueni

Six suspects have been arrested by Law Enforcement Officers in connection with a highway robbery in Mbumbuni, Mbooni East Sub-County in Makueni County. 

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the case is based on a report by a complainant who was travelling from Mbumbuni to Muuani on board a Probox. 

Upon reaching Sofia Shopping Centre in Muuani, they were ambushed by a group of people, some on a motorcycle while others lurked by the roadside.

"The gang hit the front windscreen using a shaving machine while displaying a toy gun, causing the driver to pull over," DCI said.

The complainants told the police they were attacked and sustained head injuries before being robbed of their cash and other valuables.

In a swift response, police officers from Mbumbuni Police Station launched a manhunt that eventually resulted in the arrests. 

A search along a footpath leading to the house of two of the suspects led to the recovery of a handbag of the complainant. 

Also recovered was a toy pistol from one of the suspects. 

The suspects are now in custody undergoing processing pending arraignment.

DCI has urged members of the public to report suspicious cases or crimes via #FichuaKwaDCI, call 0800 722 203 (Toll-free) or WhatsApp at 0709 570 000 to report anonymously.

Law enforcement agencies have been on high alert as Kenyans travel for festivities, to ensure that highways remain safe and crime remains low. 

Earlier in the week, the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) arrested two traffic police officers attached to the Diani Traffic Base for allegedly demanding bribes from motorists along the Likoni-Lungalunga road.

The arrest on Wednesday, followed an investigation mounted by the EACC after receiving numerous complaints from motorists and members of the public regarding rampant extortion by the officers. 

During the operation, the officers were allegedly found soliciting and demanding bribes from motorists, often without conducting any vehicle checks or enforcing traffic regulations.

The suspects were arrested and taken to the EACC Lower Coast Regional Office in Mombasa for statement recording and further processing.

The operation is part of the ongoing crackdown on bribery on Kenyan major roads during the festive season. 

The Commission is scaling up intelligence gathering and surveillance targeting essential public services and sectors prone to bribery.