Three arrested over highway robberies along Mombasa–Nairobi road
- Created by Juma Namlola
- Roundup
The three suspects are believed to be part of a larger criminal network that has been attacking truck drivers near the Bonje area.
Detectives from Rabai Sub-County in Kilifi County have arrested three suspects linked to a highway robbery gang accused of terrorising truck drivers along the Mombasa–Nairobi highway, police have said.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the arrests followed a tip-off from members of the public, prompting detectives to mount a targeted operation in Mabirikani area.
The suspects--Juma Ali, Hamisi Juma and Benedict Chirodo--are believed to be part of a larger criminal network that has been attacking truck drivers near the Bonje area of Mazeras Township.
During the operation, detectives recovered several items suspected to be linked to criminal activity.
These included foreign currency, two pairs of military boots, 14 rolls of bhang, 32 pieces of mug glass, mobile phone chargers, two bales of carrier bags, and an HCL computer keyboard.
Police said the items are connected to multiple cases reported at Mazeras Police Station, suggesting what investigators described as wide-ranging criminal activity by the gang.
"The suspects are currently in custody and are being processed ahead of their arraignment in court," said a DCI report on Sunday.
All recovered items have been secured as exhibits as investigations continue.
Rising concern over highway robberies
Highway robberies along the Mombasa–Nairobi corridor have remained a persistent security concern.
They particularly occur in areas around Mazeras, Mariakani and Voi, where criminals often target long-haul truck drivers transporting goods from the port of Mombasa.
Police say such gangs typically exploit night travel, poor lighting and isolated road sections to stage ambushes, posing risks not only to drivers but also to the flow of goods along Kenya’s main transport artery.
The DCI has urged truck drivers and residents living near the highway to remain vigilant and continue sharing information, saying public cooperation remains key to disrupting organised criminal networks.
