Three individuals alleged to be the masterminds behind a spate of robberies along the Nairobi–Mombasa highway have been arrested in Voi, according to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

The suspects, identified as David Karanja, Juma Jumamosi, and Josephine Nthamba Mutie, were reportedly apprehended following a robbery that occurred on April 9, 2025.

According to the DCI, on the day of the incident, an Isuzu FRR truck, registration number KDC 020G, was transporting gypsum from Nairobi to Mombasa.

As the vehicle approached the Ikanga area, one of the suspects allegedly ran out from a nearby thicket, attempting to cross the road.

In an effort to avoid hitting the individual, the driver swerved, causing the truck to veer off the road and stall. The DCI claims that at this point, a group of about five people emerged from the bushes and forcefully entered the vehicle, with one of them reportedly brandishing a pistol.

The driver and his co-driver were allegedly handcuffed and forced behind the seats. One of the robbers is said to have taken control of the vehicle and driven it towards Mombasa. The two victims were later reportedly dumped about 300 metres away, while the suspects made off with the truck.

Detectives say they launched an investigation and, through forensic analysis, tracked down Karanja and Jumamosi to a hideout in Taveta. During their arrest, Jumamosi allegedly led officers to his rented house in the Bahati area of Taveta sub-county, where police reportedly recovered a number plate matching the stolen lorry (KDC 020G), a T-shaped screwdriver, and two spanners.

On May 19, 2025, the two suspects were presented before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Voi, where detectives were granted a 14-day custodial order to continue their investigations.

The third suspect, Nthamba, was arrested on June 2, 2025. She was also presented before the same court, where detectives were granted a further 14-day custodial order to pursue investigations and apprehend additional suspects believed to be linked to the highway robberies.

“We remain unwavering in our commitment to combating highway crime and ensuring the safety and security of travellers,” the DCI said in a statement.