Police detectives have arrested two men suspected of involvement in an armed robbery in which a woman lost Sh1 million in Chemobo Village, Aldai Constituency, Nandi County.
The arrests followed an intelligence-driven operation conducted in Mudete area of Sabatia Sub-County, Vihiga County, after detectives launched investigations into the October 19, 2026 incident.
According to investigators, the robbery occurred at approximately 2:50pm after the victim and a companion withdrew the money from Co-operative Bank’s Mbale Branch. The cash was reportedly intended for the purchase of construction materials. The two women boarded a matatu after leaving the bank and later alighted at Shamakhokho PSV stage, where they hired a motorcycle to continue their journey to Chemobo.
However, their trip was interrupted along a murram road near Erusui Girls Secondary School when a white Toyota Probox allegedly blocked their path. Four men reportedly emerged from the vehicle, two of whom were armed with pistols, before confronting the victims and taking off with the Sh1 million packed in a shopping bag.
The attackers also reportedly stole another bag containing the woman’s national identity card, Co-operative Bank ATM card and an Itel mobile phone before fleeing towards Serem Town.
Following investigations, detectives from Serem, Sabatia and the Western Region’s Criminal Research and Intelligence Bureau conducted a night operation that led to the arrest of two suspects identified as Charles Alure Kutai, 54, and Hillary Akurumana, 34. A search conducted at Kutai’s residence reportedly resulted in the recovery of several items suspected to be linked to criminal activities.
Among the items recovered were two pocket phones, ten assorted mobile phones, a pair of handcuffs, several Safaricom and Airtel SIM cards, a penknife, a screwdriver and pieces of motor vehicle registration plates.
Police suspect the two men may also be connected to other robbery incidents reported in the region. Detectives say investigations are ongoing to establish their possible involvement in the other incidents and identify additional suspects believed to have participated in the robbery.
The two suspects remain under investigation as police pursue further leads.
