Three Ugandan nationals Sifoli Sam Wafula, also known as Sande; Ongamba Alex, alias Totoo; and Mohamed Mûsa, alias Moha have been charged with two counts of violent robbery committed in Nairobi’s Eastleigh and Pangani neighborhoods in March and May. They are charged alongside a Kenyan accomplice, Clinton Wafula.
The group is accused of robbing Eastleigh businessman Abdi Kafi Mohamed on March 3. During the incident, they allegedly stole Sh1,000,000 in cash, a laptop, various mobile phones, three Somali passports, and USD 300 all totaling a value of approximately Sh400,000.
In a separate incident on May 6, they allegedly robbed Abdirahim Mûsa, an employee of Twahid Wholesalers in Pangani, of Sh100,000.
In addition to robbery charges, the suspects face separate counts for illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, in violation of Section 42(1)(a) of the Firearms Act.
According to police, Sifoli was found in possession of a Falcon pistol and 11 rounds of ammunition at his residence in Kayole. Ongamba was allegedly found with an AK-47 rifle and 30 rounds of ammunition. Clinton Wafula was reportedly arrested with a Parabellum FEG pistol and nine rounds of ammunition.
The suspects were apprehended during a coordinated operation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) between May 22 and 23. Each was arrested at their respective residence, where the weapons were reportedly recovered.
Additionally, the three Ugandan suspects were charged with being unlawfully present in Kenya. Ongamba and Mûsa pleaded guilty to this charge before Senior Principal Magistrate Joseph Karanja at the Makadara Law Courts. However, all four denied the charges of robbery with violence and illegal possession of firearms and ammunition.
In a sworn affidavit opposing bail, Police Constable Richard Kalaine of the Starehe DCI unit stated that the suspects are linked to at least six other robberies in Busia County and additional crimes in Uganda. He argued that they pose a flight risk and may evade trial if released.
Defense attorneys countered this claim, arguing that the police were aware of the suspects’ residences and apprehended them accordingly.
Magistrate Karanja is expected to rule on the suspects’ bail and bond application on June 25. Until then, they remain in custody at the Nairobi Area Remand and Allocation Prison in the Industrial Area.
