Kayole police arrest two suspects over series of robberies targeting Bolt riders

Kayole police arrest two suspects over series of robberies targeting Bolt riders

According to police reports, the suspects would allegedly book rides through the Bolt platform, requesting trips from Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) to Kayole. Upon arrival at their destination, a secluded area known as Log, the riders would be ambushed by armed accomplices and robbed of their belongings.

Police in Kayole have arrested two individuals suspected of orchestrating a string of robberies targeting Bolt motorcycle taxi riders.

The suspects, identified as Peter Okola Ngala and 22-year-old Befley Mokeira (alias Kamum), were allegedly found in possession of a mobile phone stolen from one of their victims.

According to police reports, the suspects would allegedly book rides through the Bolt platform, requesting trips from Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) to Kayole. Upon arrival at their destination, a secluded area known as Log, the riders would be ambushed by armed accomplices and robbed of their belongings.

Four separate incidents were reported at Kayole Police Station between May 24 and June 8, 2025, under Occurrence Book numbers 45/24/5/2025, 59/28/5/2025, 76/6/6/2025, and 16/8/6/2025.

The victims, Joseph Kihato Kagunda, Meshack Ngigi Njoki, Peter Githini, and Isaiah Mukaria, all reported being robbed of mobile phones, cash and personal valuables, with unauthorised transfers made from their digital wallets. One victim had his motorcycle stolen during the robbery.

Police Constable Charity Kagwiria, the investigating officer, stated that the suspects were arrested on May 7 in Nyamavilla following a manhunt. The officer noted that one attacker was armed with a pistol while three others carried knives, threatening victims with violence if they resisted.

Key aspects of the ongoing investigation include forensic analysis of 11 phone numbers linked to the suspects, recovery of the firearm used in the robberies, retrieval of the stolen motorcycle, and examination of M-Pesa transaction records.

Senior Principal Magistrate Joseph Karanja granted police a 14-day detention order to complete investigations, which will involve conducting an identification parade, obtaining call data records and analysing mobile phone data for evidence.

Authorities have urged Bolt riders and other gig workers to remain vigilant, particularly when transporting passengers to isolated locations. Riders are advised to verify passenger details before accepting trips, avoid high-risk areas, especially at night, and report suspicious activity immediately.

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