Detectives have arrested a third suspect in connection with a Sh1 million armed robbery in which a woman was attacked shortly after withdrawing the money from a bank in Mbale, Vihiga County.
The latest suspect, identified as 36-year-old Sammy Angwegwe, was arrested in the Esirulo area of Emuhaya Sub-County following an intelligence-led operation involving detectives from different security units.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the operation was conducted by officers from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), Western Region, working alongside officers from Embali Police Station and detectives from DCI Hamisi.
Angwegwe's arrest brings to three the number of suspects apprehended in connection with the robbery, which occurred on October 19, 2026, along the Shamakhokho–Serem road.
According to investigators, the incident happened shortly after the victim and a female companion withdrew Sh1 million from a bank in Mbale. The money was intended to purchase building materials and was placed in a shopping bag before the two women began their journey home.
They initially boarded a public service vehicle and alighted at Shamakhokho stage, where they hired a motorcycle to take them to Chemobo Village in Nandi County.
However, their journey was interrupted near Erusui Girls School when a white Toyota Probox reportedly blocked their path.
Four men are said to have emerged from the vehicle and confronted the two women. Two of the attackers were armed with pistols, leaving the victims with little opportunity to resist.
The gang reportedly grabbed the shopping bag containing the Sh1 million before also taking another bag carrying the victim's personal belongings. They then returned to the vehicle and fled towards Serem Town.
The robbery prompted detectives from DCI Hamisi to visit the scene, document the incident and begin investigations aimed at identifying those responsible.
The latest arrest follows earlier operations that led to the apprehension of two other suspects believed to have been involved in the attack. The DCI says the three suspects are currently in custody undergoing processing ahead of their arraignment in court.
Detectives are continuing with investigations as they pursue additional leads to establish the full circumstances of the robbery and identify any other people who may have participated in the crime.
The agency has urged members of the public with information that could assist ongoing investigations to report through its anonymous channels.
The public can contact the DCI toll-free on 0800 722 203 or send information through WhatsApp on 0709 570 00.
