DCI warns taxi operators of criminal syndicates' tactics

The Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has issued a cautionary advisory to taxi operators regarding a concerning trend involving criminal syndicates.

According to the DCI, criminals who appear as affluent customers use taxi services for lengthy distances or trips with many pickup sites, only to commit violent robberies on the way.

“A member of a well-organised criminal ring identifies a target whom they deem vulnerable to a good deal of money out of the ordered trip, and whose car suits their need,” DCI said in a statement on Thursday.

The "customer" then negotiates with the taxi driver on the charges for the trip, and while on the way, he or she communicates with one or more accomplices who will be conveniently waiting along the route.

The driver is then coerced to stop and pick up additional passengers after being promised an extra inconvenience fee. Meanwhile, the accomplices lie in wait at the drop-off point.

“Usually, the route or destinations picked will have secluded areas, where the gangs turn against the drivers, rob them of their vehicles and at times murder them in cold blood,” the DCI said.

The DCI said a recent incident was reported at Kikopey Police Post in Gilgil, Nakuru County, on January 14, 2024, involving a 42-year-old male taxi operator from Nairobi CBD.

They noted that the driver was hired to drive a customer to Nakuru using his motor vehicle make Toyota Fielder, only to be ambushed by the passengers near Naivasha.

The victim was robbed of his vehicle and abandoned in Gilgil's Diatomite area.

“Once in Naivasha, the customer requested that they pick up his two friends at Karagita area before setting off towards Nakuru. A short moment into the final stretch of the journey, the passengers turned against the male driver before robbing him of his vehicle and dumping him at the Diatomite area in Gilgil,” they said.

After receiving the report, DCI dispatched a team of detectives to conduct a manhunt, apprehending two individuals in Bungoma County. The vehicle was retrieved and turned over to DCI Gilgil for further police action.

The investigations also uncovered multiple SIM cards, national ID cards, and driving licenses in their possession.

“Their case is ongoing at the Chief Magistrate's Court in Naivasha as pursuit for other accomplices continues,” DCI said.

DCI emphasised the importance of taxi operators remaining vigilant and reporting any suspicious activity to the police.

“While the DCI understands the challenge in identifying potential threats by hardworking taxi drivers who wait late to ensure their customers get to their destinations safely, we encourage operators to be vigilant and report any suspicion of danger to the police through the various police hotlines,” they said.

The institution reaffirmed its commitment to investigating serious crimes in the country and assured Kenyans of its unwavering dedication, care, and integrity in serving the nation.