The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has successfully apprehended three individuals identified as David Karanja, Juma Jumamosi, and Josephine Nthamba Mutie, who are believed to be the masterminds behind a sophisticated gang responsible for a recent spate of highway robberies targeting motorists along the busy Nairobi-Mombasa Highway. The DCI announced these arrests in a statement, highlighted by one source as being released on Wednesday, June 4, marking a significant breakthrough in curbing such criminal activities.

The gang employed a cunning and dangerous modus operandi to ambush unsuspecting motorists. According to police reports, members of the gang would hide in nearby thickets along the highway. As a targeted vehicle approached, one of the suspects would suddenly dash onto the road, feigning an attempt to cross. This forced the driver to make a split-second decision, often swerving to avoid a collision. In the ensuing confusion, as the vehicle veered off the road or its engine stalled, other robbers, typically a group of about five, would emerge from the bushes. One would often brandish a pistol, and they would forcefully enter the vehicle.

A particularly brazen robbery, which triggered the intensive investigation leading to these arrests, occurred on April 9, 2025. On this day, an Isuzu FRR truck, bearing registration number KDC 020G and transporting a consignment of gypsum from Nairobi to Mombasa, became the gang's target. As the truck approached the Ikanga area, the now-familiar tactic was deployed: a suspect dashed out from a nearby thicket into the path of the lorry.

In a desperate attempt to avoid hitting the individual, the driver swerved sharply. This action caused the truck to veer off the road, and its engine subsequently stalled, leaving the occupants vulnerable. Seizing this manufactured opportunity, the group of approximately five robbers emerged from their hiding place in the bushes. They swiftly and forcefully entered the truck's cabin, with one of the assailants brandishing a pistol to intimidate the crew.

The driver and his co-driver were then overpowered, handcuffed, and bundled behind the seats of their own lorry. One of the robbers took control of the steering wheel, driving the hijacked truck further towards Mombasa. After travelling for about 300 meters from the point of ambush, the two victims were unceremoniously dropped off on the roadside, while the criminals vanished with the truck and its valuable cargo.

Following this incident, DCI detectives launched a comprehensive investigation. Through meticulous forensic analysis, investigators were able to track down two of the primary suspects, David Karanja and Juma Jumamosi, to a hideout in Taveta. During their apprehension, Jumamosi led the officers to his rented house located in the Bahati area of Taveta sub-county. A search of these premises yielded crucial evidence, including the number plate KDC 020G belonging to the stolen Isuzu FRR lorry, a T-shaped screwdriver, and two spanners, believed to be tools used in their criminal operations.

Subsequently, Karanja and Jumamosi were presented before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Voi on May 19, 2025. At this hearing, detectives successfully applied for and were granted a 14-day custodial order to detain the suspects further, allowing for continued investigation into the robbery syndicate. The diligent efforts of the investigative team continued, leading to the arrest of a third key suspect, Josephine Nthamba Mutie, who was apprehended in Makindu on June 2, 2025.

Josephine Nthamba Mutie was also presented before the Chief Magistrate’s Court in Voi. In her case, detectives were granted an additional 14-day custodial order. This extension was deemed necessary to complete their thorough investigation, pursue further leads to identify and arrest any other individuals involved in these highway robberies, and to intensify efforts to recover the stolen lorry. The DCI has reiterated its unwavering commitment to combating highway crime and ensuring the safety and security of all travellers using Kenya's major roadways.