Nakuru couple robbed of Sh700,000 moments after leaving bank
Nakuru County police have initiated a widespread manhunt for a gang that attacked and robbed a couple of Sh700,000 shortly after they withdrew the money from a local bank.
The victims, identified as Ms Joy Chebii and Mr Benson Lang, were ambushed on the afternoon of Saturday, December 9, 2023, as they were heading home on a motorbike.
According to the police report, the assailants, armed with a pistol, were trailing the couple in a motor vehicle. The substantial amount of money was intended for the construction of properties owned by the couple in Rongai.
The incident unfolded after the couple withdrew the cash and decided to have lunch at a local hotel in Nakuru Town before heading home. They then boarded a matatu and switched to a bodaboda at Sobea Junction.
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Moments later, a Toyota Prado overtook the bodaboda, and armed men swiftly emerged, demanding the surrender of the money.
Ms Chebii recounted that one of the suspects took her handbag, while another forced Mr Lang to a corner. In the end, the couple was left with only Sh2,000. Mr Lang was later released by the gang and dumped a few meters away.
“The money was meant for constructing their properties located in Rongai,” the police report stated.
Mr Wilbeforce Sicharani, the Rongai police boss, urged the public to refrain from carrying large sums of money, especially during the festive season.
He emphasised the need for caution, considering the increase in similar incidents.
“We ask members of the public to stop carrying large amounts of money, especially at a time like this when we are heading to the festive season,” Mr Sicharani said.
He further revealed that investigators from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) would be visiting the bank as part of the ongoing investigations. Instances of such robberies have been on the rise, with some being linked to collusion between unscrupulous bank officials and criminal gangs.
In response to the concerning trend, police officers are intensifying efforts to curb the issue, cautioning the public to be vigilant and report any suspicious activities. Authorities also urge financial institutions to enhance security measures within and around their premises to deter criminal activities.