A matatu driver escaped a trap laid by a multi-agency team comprising Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives in a dramatic episode involving a high speed chase along the Migori-Kisii Highway on Wednesday.
According to a police report obtained by Kenyans.co.ke, the law enforcement team received a tipoff from members of the public that the gang, allegedly transporting drugs in a matatu along with three other vehicles; two Proboxes and a Toyota Hiace.
The DCI team working with officers from Gesonso Police Station, trailed the four vehicles. When they reached a suitable location to stage an ambush, the police ordered the suspects to halt, but the directive was not followed.
Thereafter, a dramatic speed chase along the Migori-Kisii Highway, ensued with the officers seeking to intercept the suspects four kilometres off the station.
On realising that the police were closing in on them, one of the Probox drivers sped off in a different direction in an attempt to lose the tail.
The officers however, fired two rounds to deflate the tyres.
The driver, who was a few metres ahead of the police. in response, fled, leaving behind the vehicle and began running.
The officers found blood stains on the driver's seat, indicating that the suspect sustained injuries from the encounter. The police did however manage to nab one suspects who did not manage to get away.
Ksh30,000 believed to be proceeds of crime was also recovered at the scene.
At the same time, the pursuit involving the matatu and two other vehicles gained momentum with the officers seeking to bait the suspects into driving towards the nearest police station.
Sensing a looming trap, the matatu driver diverted towards different directions to distract the cops. According to the report, the vehicles were found abandoned a few kilometres away.
A thorough search was thereafter conducted and Ksh37.5 million of bhang was recovered from the abandoned vehicle.
Further, reflective number plates concealed behind the driver's seat were also recovered and seized by the police.
Crime personnel from the DCI headquarters in Nairobi processed the scene. The motor vehicles were towed to the station for further investigations.
