Businessman robbed Sh12.9 million in Nairobi CBD

Detectives are investigating claims by a Nairobi-based businessman that he was robbed of Sh12.9 million by gunmen on the busy Uhuru Highway, Nairobi police boss Adamson Bungei has said.

“We have a team to investigate the claims. The claims are not adding up for now,” he said.

According to police, the events unfolded at about 12:53 pm when the businessman sought to exchange the cash in his bag for Kenyan currency.

The scene of the said attack is usually busy at that time, and any commotion may attract police attention.

The businessman told police he boarded a motorcycle and headed for Westlands from his business premises on Kaunda Street in Nairobi's Central Business District with US$100,000.

Upon arrival at a building in Westlands, he exchanged the amount and boarded the same motorcycle heading to the CBD. 

On reaching Uhuru Highway, a few metres from the roundabout, they were intercepted by a white saloon vehicle that seemed to be waiting or trailing them.

Two occupants alighted from the car and held the duo at gunpoint, threatening to pull the trigger if they did not cooperate.

One of the individuals, according to the businessman, snatched the bag and returned to the vehicle. The car sped off.

The businessman and the rider tried to give a chase to the vehicle but to no avail.

The businessman reported the matter to the Central Police Station, where the officers visited and documented the scene.

The officers have since launched investigations to track the saloon vehicle, retrieve the cash, and nab the two suspects. Police suspect the attack was an inside job.

The attackers, if any, had prior information on the movement of the cash. Bungei advised those engaged in the money business to seek armed police escorts.

“We always advise those handling such money to seek police services in moving the same,” he said.

Police revisited the scene and reviewed security cameras as part of the probe into the said attack. The team said the area is usually busy and well-covered by many issues.