NAIROBI, Kenya, Feb 16 – The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has raised the red flag on the surge of violent robberies targeting taxi drivers.
In a statement, the investigative agency revealed a trend by criminal syndicates hiring taxi services for either long distances or trips with several pickup points while disguised as cash-rich customers, only to turn violent robbers along the way.
It explained that a member of a well-organized criminal ring identifies a target whom they deem vulnerable to a good deal of money out of the ordered trip, and whose car suits their need.
“The “customer” negotiates with the taxi driver on the charges for the trip, and while on the way communicates with one or more accomplices who will be conveniently waiting along the route,” it stated.
“With promises of an extra inconvenience fee for the stop, the driver goes ahead to let onboard new passengers. In some occasions, the accomplices lie in wait at the drop off point.”
Usually, the DCI pointed out that “the route or destinations picked will have secluded areas, where the gangs turns against the drivers, robs them off their vehicles and at times murder them in cold blood.”
It outlined an incident reported at Kikopey Police Post within Gilgil, Nakuru County on January 14, 2024, where a 42-year-old male taxi operator in Nairobi CBD was hired by a customer to drive him to Nakuru using his vehicle.
Once in Naivasha, the customer requested that they pick his two friends at Karagita area before setting off towards Nakuru.
A short moment into the final stretch of the journey, the passengers turned against the male driver before robbing him of his vehicle and dumped him at Diatomite area in Gilgil.
On receiving the report, a team of detectives from DCI Hqs was deployed to launch a manhunt for the suspects, two of whom were traced to Bungoma County.
Francis Ojerepata Omoindi, 39 and Jack Odhiambo Otieno, 38 were both arrested and the vehicle recovered, before being handed over to DCI Gilgil for further police action.
