Cash Gone, Doors Open: Police Probe Sh470,000 Pickup Theft as CCTV Captures Suspects in Kayole
Police in Nairobi have launched investigations into the mysterious theft of Sh470,000 from a locked pickup truck in Kayole, amid growing concerns over organised criminal gangs targeting bank customers carrying large sums of cash.
The incident, which occurred on Tuesday afternoon, has prompted detectives to examine whether the thieves had prior knowledge of the victim’s banking transaction and movements before striking.
According to police reports, the victim had withdrawn Sh470,000 from a bank branch in Buruburu at approximately 12:30 pm before driving his Isuzu D-Max pickup to Kayole Junction.
The man told investigators that upon arriving in Kayole, he parked at a petrol station and concealed the cash behind the driver’s seat before heading to a nearby supermarket to shop.
Before returning to his vehicle, he reportedly withdrew an additional Sh30,000 from a nearby M-Pesa outlet.
However, when he returned to the pickup, he was met with a shocking discovery: the driver’s door was open and the entire Sh470,000 had disappeared.
Detectives reviewing CCTV footage from the petrol station believe the theft may have been carefully planned.
Investigators say surveillance footage appears to show a vehicle that may have followed the victim from the bank in Buruburu to Kayole. The footage reportedly captures individuals approaching the parked pickup, opening the driver’s door, retrieving the hidden cash and leaving the scene moments later.
“The circumstances surrounding the theft suggest the possibility that the suspects knew the victim was carrying a substantial amount of money,” a police source familiar with the investigation said.
Officers are now exploring whether the victim may have been monitored while inside the banking hall before being trailed to his destination.
Police noted that previous investigations into similar thefts have uncovered sophisticated criminal networks that identify customers withdrawing large sums of cash and track them before carrying out targeted robberies.
In some past cases, investigators have also examined allegations of insider information being leaked to criminal gangs, though no such link has yet been established in the Kayole incident.
Authorities say the latest theft forms part of a growing trend of “bank-following” crimes reported in Nairobi and other urban centres, where customers are allegedly monitored after withdrawing money.
Detectives have urged financial institutions to strengthen security protocols and increase customer awareness to help prevent similar incidents.
The investigation remains ongoing, with police analysing CCTV footage and pursuing leads that could help identify the suspects involved.
Bungoma Man Dies After Alleged Machete Attack by Neighbour
In a separate incident, police in Bungoma County are searching for a suspect accused of fatally attacking his neighbour following a domestic dispute.
The victim, identified as 41-year-old Nickson Barasa, is reported to have suffered severe head injuries during a confrontation at Thooma Village in Mechimeru Location, Bungoma South Sub-County, on the evening of June 28.
Police said the suspect, identified as Ishmael Kundu, allegedly assaulted Barasa with a machete during the altercation.
Barasa was rushed to Mechimeru Model Health Centre for emergency treatment before being referred to Bungoma County Referral Hospital due to the severity of his injuries.
Despite efforts by medical personnel, he later died while undergoing treatment.
Police officers visited the scene and documented evidence as part of the ongoing investigation.
The deceased’s body has since been transferred to Bungoma County Referral Hospital Mortuary, where a post-mortem examination is expected to be conducted.
The suspect reportedly fled immediately after the incident and remains at large.
Police say efforts to trace and arrest him are continuing as investigations into the circumstances surrounding the fatal attack intensify.
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