A daring armed robbery in Wamba Town, Samburu County, left two pedestrians injured after gunmen indiscriminately opened fire while escaping from the crime scene on Monday, February 12, at around 7 PM.
According to police reports and eyewitness accounts, a gang of eight stormed a shop, holding a couple hostage. Four of the criminals were armed with rifles, while the others carried crude weapons. The gang violently assaulted the shop owners, demanding cash and valuables before making away with Sh300,000, assorted airtime scratch cards, and other merchandise.
As the robbers attempted to flee the scene, an alarmed crowd gathered and began shouting at them. In response, one of the gunmen fired multiple shots into the crowd, striking two men in the legs. The injured victims were quickly rushed to Wamba Sub-County Hospital, with one later transferred to Maralal County Referral Hospital due to the severity of his condition.
Police officers who arrived at the scene recovered six spent cartridges. A policeman in civilian attire fired into the air in an attempt to scare off the gang, but the assailants managed to escape on foot. Authorities have since launched a manhunt for the suspects as security operations intensify in the region.
The incident comes amid rising insecurity in Samburu County, where an increase in armed attacks has been reported in recent weeks. Law enforcement officials believe these incidents are being orchestrated by fleeing and frustrated bandits, and they have assured residents that efforts to track down the criminals are ongoing.
Turkish National Injured in Nairobi Robbery
Meanwhile, in a separate incident, a Turkish national was injured in a robbery at his residence in the Embakasi area of Nairobi on Wednesday night.
The victim reported that two men followed him to his home before forcibly gaining entry. Neighbors, upon hearing a commotion, checked on him and found him tied up with ropes on his hands and legs, with a scarf around his neck. The assailants had fled, taking 2,000 Euros, a passport, and a mobile phone.
The man sustained injuries to his face, chest, and legs. He was taken to Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital, where he is currently receiving treatment in fair condition.
Police have launched an investigation into the robbery, and efforts to apprehend the suspects are ongoing.
Both incidents highlight the growing concerns over security in different parts of the country, prompting authorities to step up their crackdown on criminals.
