Posing as police, stealing millions: Three suspects arrested in Nairobi

Arrest illustration

Detectives in Nairobi have arrested three individuals linked to a series of violent robberies targeting motorists carrying large sums of money, following investigations by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

The arrests were carried out by officers from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) and the Operation Action Team (OAT), who have been tracking a pattern of incidents involving suspects posing as police officers.

According to investigators, the suspects are believed to be part of an organised network operating within Nairobi and its surrounding areas. The group allegedly used deception and intimidation to rob victims, often impersonating law enforcement officers.

In one reported incident on January 23, 2026, a Chinese national was targeted while driving along Kyang’ombe on the old Mombasa Road.

She reported that she was flagged down by a dark grey vehicle occupied by two men dressed in what “appeared to be traffic police uniforms.” The individuals demanded her driving licence before seizing control of her vehicle and fleeing with Sh2,140,000 in cash.

The money had been withdrawn shortly before the incident from two banks along Mombasa Road.

In a separate case on March 17, 2026, another complainant withdrew Sh4.2 million from the Equity Bank Utawala branch for a business transaction. While travelling near Gateway Mall, he was intercepted by four men wearing blue police uniforms and reflector jackets. Two of them were reportedly armed.

The group allegedly accused him of “trafficking narcotic drugs,” before handcuffing him and forcing him into their vehicle. He was blindfolded and later abandoned in Karen after being robbed of the cash.

A third incident involved a woman who had been entrusted with Sh1.4 million by her employer. She was travelling on a motorcycle towards Sayan Business Park when she was intercepted at the Cabanas Interchange by four men in a grey Mazda CX-5.

The individuals claimed to be police officers and forced both the rider and the passenger into their vehicle. They were reportedly “roughed up, blindfolded,” before being robbed of the cash and mobile phones. The victims were later dropped near a hospital in Utawala.

Detectives say the arrests followed a detailed investigation supported by forensic evidence. The operation led to the recovery of a suspected getaway vehicle, a Mazda CX-5, along with items believed to have been used during the robberies, including reflector jackets and a military jungle hat.

Investigators indicate that the group is part of a wider criminal network that frequently changes vehicle number plates to evade detection.

The arrested individuals remain in custody and are undergoing processing ahead of their court appearance. Authorities have indicated that efforts are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the group who are still at large.

Police say the operation is part of continued efforts to dismantle organised criminal gangs targeting unsuspecting members of the public.