Detectives in Nairobi are investigating a daring robbery in which a businessman lost Sh7 million at a petrol station off Waiyaki Way. The businessman, who works with a company involved in gold mining in Bondo, Siaya County, reported that he was trailed and ambushed while preparing to board a public service vehicle on Wednesday night.
According to preliminary reports, the victim was dropped off at a Total petrol station near ABC Place along Waiyaki Way after leaving Eastleigh in a private car. He was carrying the cash in a small school bag and intended to travel to Bondo using public transport, a routine he had followed previously without incident.
The incident occurred around 9 p.m. as he was boarding a matatu. Two men on a motorcycle arrived at the station, and moments later, a gunshot was fired. As the businessman turned to see what was happening, one of the assailants grabbed his bag containing the cash. The gunman quickly jumped onto the waiting motorcycle before the duo sped off. A second gunshot was fired into the air as they escaped, causing panic among motorists, passengers, and petrol station attendants who took cover.
Investigators suspect that the robbers had prior knowledge of the businessman’s movements and the large sum of cash he was carrying. It is believed that they trailed him from Eastleigh to the scene of the robbery. Police recovered two spent cartridges from the site, which have been taken for ballistic examination.
The area where the incident occurred is covered by surveillance cameras, and detectives are reviewing the footage in hopes of identifying and tracking the suspects. No arrests had been made by Friday, but officers said they were following crucial leads and speaking to people the victim had interacted with earlier in Eastleigh as part of the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have cautioned the public against transporting large amounts of cash without security arrangements. They urged individuals and business operators to seek police escort services when handling significant sums to minimize the risk of such attacks.
The investigation remains active, with police expressing confidence that the perpetrators will soon be apprehended and brought to justice.
