Two men have been arrested in connection with a Sh1 million robbery at gunpoint in Chemobo Village, Aldai Constituency, Nandi County, following an intelligence-led operation by detectives.
The suspects, identified as 54-year-old Charles Alure Kutai and 34-year-old Hillary Akurumana, were arrested during a late-night operation in Mudete, Sabatia Sub-County, Vihiga County.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the arrests followed investigations into the October 19, 2026 incident in which a woman lost Sh1 million shortly after withdrawing the money from a bank.
The victim was reportedly accompanied by a friend when she visited Co-operative Bank's Mbale Branch to withdraw the cash, which she intended to use to purchase building materials.
After completing the transaction at around 2:50pm, the two boarded a matatu before alighting at Shamakhokho PSV stage. They then hired a motorcycle to take them to Chemobo Village.
However, their journey was cut short when they reached a murram road near Erusui Girls Secondary School.
A white Toyota Probox reportedly blocked their path, forcing them to stop. Four men then emerged from the vehicle, with two of them armed with pistols, and confronted the victims.
The attackers allegedly robbed the woman of the Sh1 million, which had been packed in a shopping bag, before fleeing towards Serem Town.
They also took another bag containing her National Identity Card, Co-operative Bank ATM card and an Itel mobile phone.
Following the robbery, detectives launched investigations and used intelligence to trace those suspected to have been involved in the attack.
The operation was carried out by Serem-based detectives, led by the Officer in Charge of CRIB Western, DCI Hamisi, alongside officers from DCI Sabatia.
After the arrests, detectives searched the residence of one of the suspects, Charles Alure, where they recovered several items believed to be linked to criminal activities.
The items included two pocket phones, ten assorted mobile phones, one handcuff, several Safaricom and Airtel SIM cards, a penknife and a screwdriver.
Detectives also recovered several cut-out motor vehicle registration number plates, which are now part of the ongoing investigations.
The DCI suspects that the two men could be connected to other similar robberies reported in the region. Investigators are pursuing additional leads to establish whether the suspects were involved in other criminal incidents.
Police are also working to identify and arrest other individuals believed to have participated in the robbery, with some accomplices still at large.
The two suspects remain in police custody as investigations continue, with detectives seeking to establish the full extent of their alleged activities.
The DCI has urged members of the public to share information that could assist in the fight against crime, assuring informants that they can report anonymously through its toll-free number, 0800 722 203, or WhatsApp number 0709 570 000.
