Three suspects accused of violently robbing motorists along the busy Nairobi-Mombasa Highway have been arraigned at the Machakos Law Courts and remanded for 15 more days as investigations continue. Among the trio is a Tanzanian national, Pinieli Vavai Lemomo, who, along with co-accused Richard Otieno and Jane Muthui, is believed to be part of a gang targeting luxury vehicles.
The suspects were arrested by officers from Konza Police Station shortly after an alleged carjacking incident involving a high-end Range Rover. The gang is suspected of orchestrating a spate of violent robberies targeting motorists traveling along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway, a crucial transport corridor that connects Kenya’s capital to the coast.
According to police reports, Lemomo was found without any identification documents at the time of his arrest. This prompted authorities to seek the assistance of Interpol in verifying his identity and investigating whether he has a cross-border criminal record. The lack of proper documentation has raised concerns about transnational crime and the possible involvement of foreign nationals in local criminal syndicates.
During the court session, the prosecution made a formal application to detain the suspects for a further 15 days to allow time for thorough investigations. Machakos Law Courts Senior Principal Magistrate B. Koech granted the request, emphasizing the seriousness of the allegations and the need to allow the police adequate time to complete their probe.
“So I have considered the application made by the prosecution through the investigating officer, and I have also noted your responses in the relevant provisions of the law. I will allow the prosecution’s application. You will be detained at Machakos Police Station for a period of 15 days, and we’ll have a mention date before the court after 15 days,” said Magistrate Koech.
The suspects are scheduled to reappear in court on June 23, 2025, when the court will receive an update on the investigation’s progress. Authorities have pledged to intensify highway patrols to curb rising insecurity and protect road users from organized criminal activity.
