This archive report was first published on 15 September 2019.
On September 11, 2019, a Cessna fixed-wing aircraft landed at Odha Airstrip in Moyale, carrying a consignment of new Sh1,000 notes for a local Equity Bank branch. The aircraft was escorted by a pilot, co-pilot, and a private security official. However, the usual cash collection vehicle and security officers, who are supposed to be waiting at the airstrip, were nowhere to be found.
According to police sources, the absence of the cash collection vehicle and security officers raised eyebrows, leading investigators to suspect an inside job. 'They are supposed to take their cash collection vehicle accompanied by security officers who are in a separate car. They are supposed to be at the airstrip waiting for the plane to land, and not the plane waiting for them,' said an officer familiar with normal cash collection routines.
Equity Bank had contracted officers from the Critical Infrastructure Police Unit to escort the money, but they failed to show up. The bank's officials, including the branch manager, operation manager, and security officers, were grilled by detectives from the DCI. The investigation is ongoing, and the police are still trying to unravel the mystery surrounding the incident.
