Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) raised concerns on Friday, February 16, regarding the increasing trend of carjackers targeting taxi drivers.
According to detectives, the criminals, who often disguise themselves as affluent passengers, primarily hire taxi services for long-distance trips with multiple pickup points.
Before the trip begins, one of the gang members negotiates the charges with the taxi driver, and while on the way, communicates with his accomplices who will be conveniently waiting along the route.
In their report, detectives noted that the routes or destinations chosen by these criminals are often located in secluded areas. Here, the gangs readily turn against the driver, robbing them of their vehicles, and in some cases, resorting to cold-blooded murder.
One such incident was, on January 14, reported at Kikopey Police Post in Gilgil, Nakuru County. In this case, a 42-year-old male taxi operator from Nairobi was hired by a customer to drive him to Nakuru using a Toyota Fielder.
"Once in Naivasha, the customer requested that they pick up his two friends at the Karagita area before setting off towards Nakuru," read part of a DCI report.
While in the final stretch of the journey, the passengers turned against the male driver and robbed him of his vehicle before dumping him at the Diatomite area in Gilgil.
“On receiving the report, a team of detectives from DCI headquarters was deployed to launch a manhunt for the suspects, two of whom were traced to Bungoma County,” detectives noted.
In their possession, detectives found seven SIM cards, five national identification cards, and two driving licenses.
The vehicle was recovered and the suspects were handed over to DCI officers in Gilgil who later arraigned them at a Naivasha court.
"While the DCI understands the challenge in identifying potential threats by hardworking taxi drivers who wait late to ensure their customers get to their destinations safely," detectives noted.
"We encourage operators to be vigilant and report any suspicion of danger to the police through the various police hotlines."
