The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has unmasked a new wave of robbery picking inside matatus operating on various routes within Nairobi City.
DCI cautioned that robbers pose as genuine matatu operators by using Public Service Vehicles (PSV) taken to garage for repairs and maintenance.
some of the dilapidated vehicles are then used to unlawfully ferry passengers, especially at night. However, as the journey commences, the robbers pounce on the passengers and rob them of their valuables.
According to DCI, most of those matatus operating under the tag dubbed Usiku Sacco, comprise unroadworthy vehicles which operate without proper documentation.
Others even ferry passengers to different routes from those assigned by the Saccos they purported to represent.
"We urge members of the public to be on the lookout for such vehicles, especially those ferrying passengers to routes different from those indicated on the vehicle’s body, "DCI warned.
A multi-agency operation carried out along Mombasa Road led to the arrest of three suspects believed to be part of the gang targeting matatu operators.
The trio was caught moments after they robbed passengers, and walked away with their phones, money, and other expensive items at around 2 am on Thursday, March 31.
Police on patrol caught wind of the incident following a tip-off by members of the public who raised an alarm.
The three were found in possession of hundreds of phones and other valuables. They further advised passengers to report such matatu crew, should they spot them breaking the law.
"Detectives based at DCI Langata, contacted the owners of the phones recovered from the suspects, to record their statements before the accused are arraigned in court, " the statement by DCI added.
