Nairobi’s Industrial Area witnessed yet another shocking robbery on Wednesday, February 5, as a woman lost Sh3.6 million in broad daylight. The victim had just withdrawn the cash from a bank and was transporting it to boost her business when two armed men on a motorcycle struck.
According to police reports, the woman had momentarily stopped near a petrol station along Lunga Lunga Road to take medication when the assailants attacked. They shattered her car window, threatened her with death, and demanded the cash. Fearing for her life, she complied, and the gang quickly fled the scene. Detectives investigating the incident have since obtained security footage and launched a manhunt for the culprits. Nairobi police commander George Sedah confirmed that officers are actively pursuing the gang.
Meanwhile, a similar incident occurred in Rongo Town, Migori County, where an M-Pesa agent lost Sh100,000 to robbers. The woman, identified as Faith, was heading home when two men on a motorcycle intercepted her at Kasere Trading Centre. The assailants, one of whom was armed with a pistol, attacked both the rider and the victim, making away with her bag containing an M-Pesa phone, three bank transaction machines, and cash. The injured victims were taken to Venesa Medical Centre and later transferred to Kisii Level Six Hospital for specialized treatment. Police are currently tracking the suspects who escaped in a getaway vehicle heading towards Homa Bay.
These incidents highlight an alarming trend of targeted robberies, particularly involving large sums of money withdrawn from banks. Investigations reveal that some bank employees may be tipping off criminals about such transactions, allowing gangs to trail and attack unsuspecting victims. In some cases, victims have been abducted, tied up, and abandoned in remote locations after being robbed.
Authorities report an increasing frequency of such crimes, with at least one major robbery being recorded weekly. This surge has prompted security agencies to urge individuals handling large cash sums to seek police escorts for added protection. Special attention is being given to this issue, as law enforcement agencies work to dismantle criminal networks orchestrating these attacks.
As crime rates escalate, there is a growing need for businesses and individuals to adopt safer transaction methods. Mobile banking, electronic transfers, and security escorts should be prioritized to minimize the risk of falling prey to such brazen attacks. Law enforcement agencies must also intensify efforts to identify and curb insider collusion, ensuring that criminals do not exploit confidential banking information for their gain.
