A suspect linked to the robbery of Sh999,000 from a businessman in Parklands, Nairobi, has been arrested in Eldoret. The arrest took place on Wednesday after police tracked the suspect to his hideout. During the operation, officers recovered a reflector jacket, a police headdress with a white cover, and a vehicle believed to have been used in the crime. The car was found with an extra number plate, which police believe was intended to help the suspects evade detection.
The arrest followed a review of CCTV footage from the bank where the victim had withdrawn the money. Investigators were able to trace the vehicle that had been parked in the bank’s lot and later followed the businessman to a junction on First Parklands Avenue. It was there that the car blocked the victim’s path.
Two suspects then jumped out of the car one wearing a reflector jacket and the other a police headdress. They forcefully took the victim’s car keys and stole the envelope containing the cash. One of the suspects was reportedly armed with a pistol and used it to hit the businessman during the robbery, forcing him to surrender.
The victim, who had withdrawn the cash on Saturday, June 28, reported that the money was placed in an envelope under the co-driver’s seat before he began to drive home. He was intercepted shortly after exiting the bank basement parking. A salon car blocked his way, and five people inside stared at him. Two emerged, assaulted him, and grabbed the money before speeding off toward Limuru Road.
The arrested suspect has since been transported to Nairobi for further processing. Police say the stolen cash has not yet been recovered, and a search is ongoing for the firearm used in the robbery as well as other accomplices.
This robbery is part of a worrying trend involving victims being targeted after leaving banking halls. Security agencies believe that some of these incidents involve collaboration between criminal gangs and rogue bank staff who leak transaction details.
In previous cases, victims have lost millions of shillings under similar circumstances. These include a robbery of Sh7 million in the Nairobi CBD last month, and another involving Sh3.6 million along Lungalunga Road in February. In January, a businessman lost Sh1.8 million in Kitengela after withdrawing the money for a project.
Police continue to urge caution among individuals withdrawing large sums and recommend the use of secure transfer methods or professional escort services to reduce risk. Investigations into this and related cases remain active.
