This archive report was first published on 9 May 2021.
Carjackings have become a growing concern in Nairobi, with a recent incident involving a motorist who was carjacked outside One River Apartments in Ruaka on a Friday night.
The victim, who was driving a Toyota Premio, had just pulled over by the apartment's gate when a gang of armed criminals laid in wait for him.
According to the DCI, the gang smashed the driver's window with an iron rod and fired two shots in the air to subdue the victim.
They then forced their way into the parking lot and pursued the victim, catching up with him before he could jump out of the car to run for safety.
"The gang accosted the man, roughed him before grabbing his car keys and phone," stated the DCI officers who are investigating the incident.
The stolen vehicle was later found abandoned in Kagongo village, having been extensively vandalized.
"Its rear and front headlights, side mirrors, all tyres, nose guard, boot and radio were missing," said the DCI.
Police believe that the three suspects are part of a larger criminal syndicate operating within Kiambu county.
Carjackings are not limited to high-crime areas, with many incidents occurring in safer, wealthier parts of Nairobi.
Police have warned those getting home from work after a night shift to be extra careful lest they become victims.
According to the DCI, the gang operates mostly in Nairobi, Kiambu, and Naivasha town.
Recent arrests have been made in connection with the murder of two taxi drivers in different incidents.
Police found the body of a taxi driver from Kasarani dumped near Mai Mahiu IDP camp after he was hired to ferry customers to Suswa.
Two suspects were arrested after they were found in possession of a mobile phone belonging to the Kasarani taxi driver.
Naivasha-based taxi driver Isaac Thumbi went missing in February before his decomposing body was found dumped near Gilgil town a week later.
Naivasha police boss Samuel Waweru said initial investigations indicated the two were working with the other two suspects in Nairobi in their robbery.
