Police have arrested three persons of interest believed to be connected to a series of highway robberies along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway. The arrests come after an intense investigation into a robbery incident that took place on April 9, 2025, involving the hijacking of a truck transporting gypsum from Nairobi to Mombasa.
The suspects, identified as David Karanja, Juma Jumamosi, and Josephine Nthamba Mutie, were apprehended following the daring heist that unfolded near the Ikanga area. On that day, the Isuzu FRR truck was making its way along the highway when one of the suspects suddenly dashed out from a nearby thicket attempting to cross the road. The driver swerved sharply to avoid a collision, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and stall.
Seizing the opportunity, a group of about five individuals emerged from the bushes and forcefully took control of the truck. One of the assailants brandished a pistol, intimidating the driver and his co-driver. The victims were handcuffed and forced behind the seats while the robbers commandeered the vehicle. The hijackers drove the truck toward Mombasa, leaving the driver and co-driver stranded approximately 300 meters away before fleeing with the vehicle.
Following the incident, law enforcement launched a thorough investigation aimed at bringing the perpetrators to justice and preventing further highway crimes. Through detailed forensic analysis and intelligence gathering, two of the suspects, Karanja and Jumamosi, were tracked down and arrested in Taveta. During the arrests, authorities recovered a number plate from the stolen lorry, as well as tools including a T-shaped screwdriver and two spanners at a rented residence linked to the suspects in the Bahati area of Taveta sub-county.
The suspects were subsequently presented before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Voi, where they were granted a 14-day custodial order to allow police to continue their investigations. This period was intended to help detectives gather more evidence, identify additional suspects, and recover the stolen truck.
As the investigation progressed, a third key suspect, Josephine Nthamba Mutie, was arrested in Makindu on June 2, 2025. She also appeared before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Voi and was granted a 14-day custodial order to aid ongoing investigations.
Police have indicated their commitment to dismantling networks involved in highway robberies and ensuring the safety of travelers and cargo transporters along the Nairobi-Mombasa route. Highway robberies have long posed a threat to security and commerce in the region, impacting logistics, trade, and the livelihoods of many.
The arrest of these three individuals marks a significant breakthrough in efforts to combat the spate of highway crimes. Authorities are actively pursuing further leads that may help identify and apprehend other persons of interest connected to these criminal activities. Recovery of the stolen lorry remains a priority as it is essential to both the victims and law enforcement.
The investigation into these highway robberies highlights the challenges posed by well-organized criminal groups that take advantage of remote areas along major transportation corridors. However, the coordinated efforts by detectives and forensic experts demonstrate the effectiveness of law enforcement in responding swiftly and decisively to such crimes.
Communities and transport operators along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway have welcomed the arrests, hoping it will restore a sense of security and reduce the fear that has persisted on this vital trade route. Authorities have also urged the public to report any suspicious activities or information that could aid ongoing investigations.
This case underscores the importance of vigilance, community cooperation, and continued investment in security measures on major highways to safeguard the movement of goods and people. With continued pressure on these criminal networks, the goal is to significantly reduce, if not eliminate, highway robberies in the near future.
