Police have apprehended a notorious criminal accused of drugging and robbing long-distance bus passengers across Kenya and neighboring Tanzania. The suspect, identified as Abdallah Suleiman, also known as Asuu, was arrested in Mariakani, Kilifi County, after a well-coordinated operation by detectives.
For months, authorities had been pursuing reports of passengers falling unconscious during bus journeys, only to wake up and discover that their money, phones, and other valuables had been stolen. The incidents were mainly reported along routes to Mombasa, Kisumu, and Tanzania. Investigators believe that Asuu had perfected the art of spiking unsuspecting travellers with sedatives before executing his robberies.
His luck ran out at the Mariakani Weighbridge when detectives, acting on intelligence, boarded a Nairobi-bound bus and cornered him before he could strike again. Officers searching his belongings uncovered a collection of incriminating items, including Lorivan 2 tablets, assorted snacks, and soft drinks suspected to have been laced with sedatives. These were believed to be part of his strategy to incapacitate unsuspecting passengers.
Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect would typically befriend his targets during long trips, offering them drinks and snacks that had been tampered with. Once the passengers fell into a deep sleep, he would steal their valuables and disembark before reaching major towns, making it difficult for victims to trace him.
Authorities say his arrest brings relief to many long-distance travellers who had grown fearful of falling victim to drink-spikers. With bus travel being one of the most affordable and common means of transport across East Africa, the series of drugging cases had raised alarm among transport operators and security agencies.
Police have urged travellers to remain vigilant, avoid consuming food and drinks from strangers, and immediately report any suspicious activities on buses. Investigations are ongoing to establish whether the suspect is linked to a wider network of criminals using similar tactics on unsuspecting passengers.
The arrest of Asuu highlights the growing concern over sophisticated methods used by criminals to target innocent travellers. Security officials have assured the public that measures are being enhanced to protect passengers and ensure safe travel across the region.
