The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have requested the taxi operators to remain vigilant amid the rising cases of violent robbery incidents targeting drivers.
The agency reported a trend in which criminal syndicates use taxi services under the guise of wealthy customers looking for long-distance rides or trips with multiple pickup points.
However, these individuals turn out to be violent robbers along the way.
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According to the DCI, the gang identifies a target they deem vulnerable to a good deal of money from the ordered trip and whose car suits their need.
“The thugs negotiate with the taxi driver on the charges for the trip and, while on the way, communicate with one or more accomplices who will be conveniently waiting along the route.
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,” said DCI.
“Usually, the route or destinations picked will have secluded areas, where the gangs turn against the drivers, rob them of their vehicles and at times murder them in cold blood.”
In a recent incident documented at Kikopey Police Post in Gilgil, Nakuru County, northwest of Nairobi, on January 14, 2024, a 42-year-old male taxi driver operating in Nairobi’s central business district was enlisted by a passenger for a trip to Nakuru, using his own vehicle.
DCI stated that when they arrived in Naivasha, the customer requested that they pick up his two friends at the Karagita area, the nearest market centre, 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 dumping him at the Diatomite area in Gilgil.
The victim reported the ordeal to the DCI, forcing the detectives to launch a manhunt for the suspects.
The detectives traced the two of them to Bungoma County, western Kenya, where they were arrested and the vehicle recovered.
The duo have been identified as Francis Ojerepata Omoindi, 39 and Jack Odhiambo Otieno, 38.
During the arrest, the sleuths recovered seven SIM cards, five national ID cards and two driving licences.
The search for the remaining suspects is underway.
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