DCI detectives on Thursday arrested four suspects linked to a violent robbery and kidnapping syndicate that targeted victims for their mobile money funds.
The suspects allegedly abducted and coerced victims into revealing M-Pesa PINs before abandoning them in Kimende Forest, Kiambu County. Police said investigations are ongoing, with a key accomplice still at large.
According to investigators, the suspects were involved in crimes that followed a consistent pattern, targeting victims who were abducted and subjected to coordinated acts of intimidation and coercion.
The DCI said the victims were handcuffed, blindfolded, and forced to reveal their mobile money PINs, specifically for M-Pesa accounts.
After the suspects gained access to the victims’ funds, the victims were abandoned in Kimende Forest, located in Lari Sub-County.
The operation that led to the arrests was spearheaded by officers from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CR&IB) and the Operations Action Team (OAT), both specialised units within the DCI tasked with tackling organised crime.
Police identified the suspects as Benard Kariuki, Ester Waithira Murigi, Brian Mungai, and Police Constable Lawrence Kipkoech. The latter is attached to Nairobi Railway Police Station.
Investigators confirmed that all four suspects have been forensically linked to the crimes, suggesting that evidence collected during the investigation directly connects them to the incidents.
Preliminary findings indicate that Police Constable Kipkoech had associations with a key suspect and may have played a role in facilitating the identification and eventual arrest of one of the suspects, Ester Waithira Murigi. The nature of his involvement is still under investigation.
During interrogation, the suspects reportedly provided further details about how the crimes were carried out, including the tools used in the abductions.
They disclosed that the handcuffs used during the offences are currently in the possession of an accomplice identified only as Alfred.
The individual, described as a key figure in the operation, remains at large. Detectives launched a manhunt and said efforts to trace and apprehend him are ongoing.
The DCI reiterated its commitment to dismantling organised criminal networks operating across the country.
In a statement, the agency said it remains focused on bringing all those involved in such crimes to justice.
“The DCI reiterates its commitment to dismantling organized criminal networks and urges members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through established reporting channels,” the agency said.
The case highlights growing concerns around the use of violence and technology in criminal activities, particularly the targeting of mobile money platforms widely used across Kenya.
DCI urged the public to take precautionary measures, including safeguarding personal information and being cautious when approached by strangers.
They also encouraged victims or witnesses of crime to report incidents promptly to assist in investigations.
Members of the public were reminded that they can report information anonymously through established DCI channels, including toll-free and WhatsApp numbers provided by the agency.
As investigations continue, detectives are working to establish the full extent of the syndicate’s operations and determine whether more individuals were involved.
The arrests mark a significant step in addressing a series of crimes that have caused alarm among residents, particularly in areas where victims were targeted and abandoned.
The agency said further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses and as efforts to apprehend the remaining suspect continue.