Detectives Arrest Four Suspects Linked to Thika Superhighway Abductions

Four suspects have been arrested in connection with a spate of abductions targeting travelers along Thika Superhighway.

Josephine Njambi (32), Nicholas Mungai (38), Joel Kinyanjui (37), and Edwin Njuguna (34) were arrested on Wednesday in Kahawa Wendani, Kiambu County following an operation by Ruiru-based crime busters.

The suspects, who have made the lives of travelers to central Kenya a nightmare, were accosted by detectives as they lured yet another victim. A sharp knife, metal rods, and other crude weapons were recovered from the suspects.  

Their arrest follows the recent abduction of three victims along the busy highway, who were robbed of cash and other valuables before being dumped in Kabati, Murang’a county.

The criminals have been operating in a hired Toyota Vitz and targeted passengers headed to various destinations in Central Kenya at the Muthaiga Bus Stop and other bus stops along Thika Road. 

Along the journey, the passengers would be robbed at gunpoint before being dumped at secluded spots in Murang’a County, according to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

In the latest incident, a lady who was picked at Waki stage in Ruiru on Sunday was threatened with a sharp knife before what she described as an ice-cold metal was placed at the back of her head. She lost her mobile phone and an unspecified amount of money. 

Following the arrest, an identification parade was conducted by DCI Ruiru, and all four suspects were positively identified by the victims. They are currently being processed to answer to charges of robbery with violence contrary to Section 296 (2) of the Penal Code. 

The DCI has warned car hire agents to be wary of the persons they hire their vehicles to, as they could easily become accessories to such crimes.