Robbers dubbed “machete bandits” attack Shiv Simani and friends

An American couple driving in rural Kenya caught a robbery in progress.

The two American nationals from Utah state, accompanied by a YouTube star & personal trainer Shive Simani and Collins Mande caught a group of bandits in the midst of robbing a matatu full of travelers. The robbers who are seen on camera seemed to have their faces half covered, threatened travelers to hand over their money and possession in exchange for their lives.  After spotting the robbery-in-progress on the old dusty Kijabe road, panic set in. Brian and Lauren Swenson are heard yelling “Drive” as the robbers ran for their vehicle.

They attempted to reverse as the bandits ran towards them, and eventually sped past them leaving a cloud of dust behind them as the sound of shot fired were heard in the distance. American press reported that the duo had recently relocated to Kenya to start a CrossFit business and used the old Kijabe road to avoid major traffic snarl-up. The video that was first posted on the First Power Crossfit page detailed the occurrence. Giving commentary on how the robbers attacked the public service vehicle, the post explained, “The guy on the far left had a handgun, but couldn’t get it out of his waistbelt line in time. They chose this spot for ambush because this road is very rough, but fortunately, we were in my 80s series…”

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Our fitness can prepare us for life, but there are times when things happen so fast that we can only give credit to God for His protection 🙏🏼 . . This happened yesterday (time stamp is wrong) on our way up to Kijabe with @shivsimani, @collo_mog, and @lauren.p.swenson. We came upon 3 bandits robbing a matatu. I had to back up long enough to roll my window up before passing by the guy weilding the ponga (machete.) The guy on the far left had a handgun, but couldn't get it out of his waistbelt in time. They chose this spot for ambush because the road is very rough, but fortunately we were in my 80 series 😉 Also thankful for a manual transmission. . . Just before encountering the bandits, we passed two armed police on foot. The gunfire you hear at the end of the video are the cops engaging. We are thankful to have been gone before the gun battle erupted. . . Thankful for the Lord's protection. . . . #justdrive #landcruiser #80series #firstpowerfit #firstpowerfitness #firstpower #firstpower_crossfit #belongbecomestrong #crossfit #fitness #realkenyacrossfit #health #fitfam #workout #fitness #gym #strong #goals #motivation #active #getfit #instagood #kenya #nairobi #fitnesskenya

A post shared by FirstPower CrossFit (@firstpower_crossfit) on Nov 30, 2018 at 10:33pm PST