Detectives from the Operations Action Team (OAT) and the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) have arrested a 49-year-old suspect, James Kanyi Gachara, in connection with a gunpoint robbery in Mukurweini Sub-County.

Gachara is accused of orchestrating a fake charcoal deal to lure a local vendor, before holding him at gunpoint and coercing him to reveal his Equitel account PIN.

The suspect then allegedly transferred Ksh200,000 from the victim’s account before fleeing the scene.

According to preliminary investigations, the vendor, who operates a charcoal business in Mukurweini town, was lured by the suspect under the guise of a lucrative deal.

Posing as a customer, Gachara informed him that a friend required 20 sacks of charcoal. Although the trader had insufficient stock, he quickly mobilised his suppliers to meet the supposed demand.

Gunpoint Robbery

Once the charcoal had been sourced, the unsuspecting vendor was ambushed by a numberless Toyota Prado SUV.Detectives report that the suspect, together with his accomplices, forced the victim into the vehicle, where he was assaulted and coerced at gunpoint to surrender his Equitel account PIN.

The gang then withdrew kSh200,000 from his account.

After the robbery, the victim was pushed out of the SUV and held at gunpoint by a female accomplice as the vehicle sped off towards Mukurweini.

Moments later, a red motorcycle arrived to pick up the armed woman, disappearing in the same direction and leaving the victim lying helpless on the ground.

“Thanks to forensic intelligence, detectives trailed down and arrested the suspect, who is currently in custody, undergoing processing ahead of arraignment,” DCI said.

Police Appeal

Police say they are still hunting for his accomplices with detectives following leads to apprehend and bring them to book .

DCI has urged the public to be watchful and to report any suspicious activity that may lead to the capture of the fugitives who still remain at large.

DCI headquarters in Nairobi. PHOTO/DCI.