Lavington 'heist': Chinese residents held at gunpoint, 2.6 million cash stolen

Detectives are investigating an incident in which suspected thugs raided a home in Lavington, Nairobi, and stole more than Sh2.6 million from foreign occupants.

The money, kept in US dollars, was in two safes, the Chinese nationals who were robbed told police.

They said the suspects roughed them up before seizing the cash and escaping in a waiting car.

According to the victims, they were at home on Sunday evening when four men drove into the compound.

The men had been allowed entry by a guard on duty, who said he was informed they were guests.

Police reported that the men ordered the 12 Chinese nationals present to lie down, while armed with crude weapons, before taking two small safes containing US$20,000 and unknown amounts of Kenyan shillings, Chinese Yuan, Japanese Yen, five mobile phones, gold jewellery, and their passports.

The suspects fled the scene shortly after completing the robbery.

Police were alerted and rushed to the scene, confirming the incident. Officers said the gang had arrived in a saloon car before carrying out the attack.

No arrests have been made. One of the stolen mobile phones was later found on Amboseli Road, just a few metres from the scene, police said.

Detectives handling the case said they are pursuing credible leads into the attack.

Authorities noted that the gang appeared to know about the cash in the house and are investigating possible insiders who may have tipped them off.

During the robbery, the victims sustained minor injuries. The security guard on duty was detained for questioning as part of ongoing investigations.

Police said such incidents often involve insider assistance.

Officers are also handling numerous cases where people are attacked and robbed after leaving banks.

In some instances, suspects monitor banking halls to track transactions before targeting customers as they leave or reach their intended destinations.

These incidents have been reported in both urban and rural areas and remain under investigation.