Three siblings were seriously injured after a brutal panga attack by a robber along the Southern Bypass, Nairobi, on Saturday night. The family, traveling from Bomet to Nairobi, became victims of a targeted robbery after their car was punctured by stones placed on the road by the gang. As they stopped to address the puncture, the siblings were confronted by a lone attacker who threatened them with a panga.
The family’s ordeal began when their vehicle hit a stone, causing two tyres to burst. The driver, an elder sister, managed to steer the vehicle to the side of the road. As they began unloading luggage from the boot to access the tyre inflator, a man armed with a panga appeared and demanded their valuables. Despite pleading for him to take what he wanted from the open boot, the robber initially took a few items and fled the scene.
However, the attacker returned shortly after and demanded their mobile phones, money, and other valuables. The family lost two mobile phones, Sh2,000, two laptops, a PlayStation, ATM cards, and other belongings. In the chaos, the elder sister was struck in the face, sustaining both a severe cut and a fracture. Her two brothers were also slashed on their chests and necks, falling unconscious at the scene.
The victim managed to cross the road to alert other motorists for help. As she sought assistance, the robber returned once more, but this time, the presence of other motorists led to a swift response. The three victims were rushed to the hospital for treatment, with the brothers regaining consciousness only after medical intervention.
Lang’ata Sub-County Police Commander Monica Kimani confirmed that three suspects were apprehended near the scene, although it remains unclear whether they are connected to the robbery. The area, located near a section of the Southern Bypass under repair until January 5, has become notorious for similar incidents. The Kenya National Highways Authority (KeNHA) closed the section from Ole Sereni Interchange to Ngong Road Interchange for rehabilitation work, which may have contributed to the incident due to the reduced traffic and security presence.
The victims have also raised concerns over the vandalism of their vehicle, which was towed to Lang’ata Police Station, where it was reportedly damaged while in the station’s yard.
Investigations are ongoing, with authorities pledging to increase security along the bypass in response to the rising cases of such robberies.
