Detectives have arrested three suspects allegedly linked to a daring highway robbery attempt along the Mombasa–Nairobi highway in Mtito Andei, nearly three months after the incident left one suspected accomplice dead.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the arrests followed sustained investigations and intelligence-led operations targeting a gang suspected of terrorising motorists along the busy highway.
The incident happened on May 6, 2026, near Mutomo area in Mtito Andei, when a gang travelling on a motorcycle allegedly staged a fake roadside emergency to lure a transit driver into stopping.
According to the DCI, the suspects then attempted to hijack the driver's Subaru Impreza at gunpoint.
However, the robbery attempt took an unexpected turn when the firearm allegedly discharged during a struggle between the attackers and the driver.
“One of their accomplices was fatally shot when the gang’s firearm discharged during the struggle,” the DCI said in a statement.
The suspected robber was identified as Gift Musau. His accomplices reportedly fled the scene on their motorcycle, leaving Musau behind.
Despite the suspects escaping, detectives continued pursuing leads to establish their identities and whereabouts.
“Following sustained investigations and intelligence-led operations, a team of detectives from Mtito Andei, on Friday 21, 2026, trailed down and arrested two suspects from their hideout in Kinyambu,” the DCI said.
The two suspects were identified as Alex Mueti Kasina and Stephen Kalungo Joel.
Detectives returned to Kinyambu the following day and arrested a third suspect, Jamlick Muli Muasa, alias Star, at his shop.
A search of Muasa's shop resulted in the recovery of two mobile phones. Detectives later searched his residence in Maikuu, Kinyambu, where they recovered several identity cards bearing different names and multiple driving licences also bearing different names.
The items recovered could form part of the evidence investigators are examining as they seek to establish the suspects' alleged roles and whether the group was connected to other highway robberies.
The three suspects are expected to be arraigned on Monday, August 24, 2026, where they will face charges including murder, attempted robbery with violence and possession of ammunition without a licence.
The arrests come months after detectives issued a public warning to drivers transporting transit vehicles following the brazen highway attack.
The DCI said investigations would continue as detectives pursue other individuals suspected to be part of the criminal network.
“The DCI remains relentless in pursuing criminals and dismantling networks that prey on innocent Kenyans and other road users,” the agency said.
The suspects will have an opportunity to respond to the allegations against them in court, where prosecutors will be required to prove the charges beyond reasonable doubt.