A swift and well-coordinated move by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) caught three suspected highway robbers off guard along the busy Nairobi-Mombasa highway in Voi.
The suspects — David Karanja, Juma Jumamosi, and Josephine Nthamba — were arrested after their attempted robbery on a cargo truck failed.
According to the police, the trio had been under investigation for several weeks following a string of highway robberies that left transporters terrified and businesses counting losses.
The gang is believed to have specialized in targeting cargo trucks transporting goods between Nairobi and Mombasa, often striking at night or during low-traffic hours.
The latest attempt took place near Voi town, where the suspects had planned to ambush a truck believed to be carrying electronics.
However, unknown to them, DCI detectives had been tipped off and were trailing their movements.
As the suspects tried to execute their plan, the officers launched a surprise operation that quickly overwhelmed them, leaving no room for escape.
Recovered from the suspects were crude weapons, metal bars, and spike strips used to disable vehicles. A getaway vehicle was also impounded.
“This is a significant breakthrough in our efforts to secure the highway and ensure the safety of transporters and motorists,” said one officer at the scene.
The suspects are currently in police custody as investigations continue, with more arrests expected in connection to the wider syndicate.
The DCI has urged members of the public and truck drivers to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity along highways.
This successful operation has been hailed as a major step in restoring confidence in road safety across one of Kenya’s most important trade corridors.
By Nairobi