Detectives from Kibwezi, Makueni County, have recovered 129 bags of rice stolen during a highway robbery along the Mombasa-Nairobi highway. The incident, which occurred on December 21, has sparked concern over increasing insecurity on key transit routes.
The robbery unfolded in the Machinery area of Kambu, where a truck ferrying rice from Mombasa was ambushed by a gang of four men. Riding on motorcycles, the assailants overpowered the truck driver and subjected him to a brutal assault. According to the driver’s report filed at Makindu Police Station, the gang commandeered the truck after tying him up and later abandoned him near Makindu.
The gang’s audacious plan involved offloading 500 bags of rice, each weighing 25 kilograms, before abandoning the empty vehicle. The stolen goods were then divided among the robbers, signaling a well-coordinated operation.
Police Investigation Unfolds
Acting on a tip-off, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Makindu launched an operation that led them to the home of one of the suspects, Alex Mweti Kasina, aged 42. Upon arrival, officers discovered 129 of the stolen bags outside his house. However, Kasina and his wife managed to flee the scene before the officers could apprehend them.
The police confirmed that Kasina’s escape was likely prompted by local informants who alerted him about the approaching raid. Despite his evasion, the recovery of a significant portion of the stolen rice offers hope that the operation could lead to the arrest of all culprits and the retrieval of the remaining stolen goods.
Implications for Highway Security
This incident has reignited concerns about the safety of drivers and goods in transit along the Mombasa-Nairobi highway. The route is a vital trade artery, facilitating the transportation of goods from Kenya’s coastal port to various parts of the country and neighboring regions.
Truck drivers, who often operate under tight schedules and challenging conditions, are particularly vulnerable to highway robbers. The Machinery area of Kambu, where this robbery took place, has been flagged as a hotspot for such crimes, prompting calls for enhanced security measures.
Stakeholders in the transport sector have urged authorities to intensify patrols along highways, especially in remote areas. “We cannot afford to lose millions of shillings worth of goods to criminals. This affects not only the businesses involved but also the economy at large,” said one transport operator.
Police Pursuit and Public Cooperation
Efforts are now underway to apprehend Kasina and his accomplices. The DCI has appealed to the public to provide any information that could aid in capturing the suspects and recovering the remaining rice.
“We are pursuing every lead to ensure the perpetrators are brought to justice. The recovered goods are evidence of our commitment, but we urge the public to work with us,” said a senior detective involved in the case.
Meanwhile, the recovered bags of rice are being held as exhibits while the case progresses. The Makindu Police Station has reassured the affected transport company that all efforts are being made to ensure justice is served.
A Wake-Up Call
This robbery serves as a grim reminder of the risks facing Kenya’s logistics and transport sector. As the festive season heightens demand for goods, criminals often exploit the situation, targeting vehicles carrying high-value cargo.
For truck drivers and businesses, the incident underscores the need for precautionary measures such as GPS tracking, security escorts, and regular communication while in transit. For law enforcement, it highlights the importance of vigilance, quick response, and collaboration with communities along major highways.
As investigations continue, the recovery of the 129 bags of rice is a testament to the resolve of Kenya’s law enforcement agencies. However, the successful arrest of the suspects and recovery of the remaining goods will be the ultimate measure of justice in this case.
