Police in Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County, have unearthed what they suspect is an elaborate scheme — of armed robbers colluding with rogue businesspersons — that has seen many residents in the town robbed of their valuables.

In the latest incident that occured Sunday, April 7 at around 5 pm, a 50-year-old man was walking along Nandi Road. However, upon reaching Skywall Hotel, he was accosted by two men riding on a motorcycle.

One of the suspects is said to have drawn a pistol before the two robbed the man of his mobile phone (Sumsung A12) valued at KSh18,000 at gunpoint.

A report filed at Naiberi Police Station says that after robbing him, the suspects rode towards Annex center.

“Police were informed and gave a chase where the two suspects were spotted near Temple Road heading towards Eldoret town,” the report says.

A multi-agency operation

After the incident, which was one of the many similar cases in the town, a multiagency team led by the County Criminal Investigations Officer was formed to conduct an operation and smoke the suspects out of their hideouts.

“Two suspects namely Michael Wekesa alias Simatwa a male adult aged 33yrs and Dan Derick Simiyu a luhya male adult aged 22yrs who had been involved in a series of robbery with violence incidents within the last two weeks were nabbed at a guest house namely New Safari Guest House located at Baharini in Turbo Sub County where they had been residing,” the police report adds.

At their hideout, the security team recovered the following; one revolver pistol (serial number 21C79408) without ammunitions, two sharp knives, three assorted mobile sim cards (Safaricom and Airtel), four smart phones, five assorted memory cards, one motor cycle Boxer 150 cc black in colour registration number KMEG 388E as well as seven assorted clothes and shoes.

A rogue businessman

The suspects later led the police to Patricia area in Eldoret CBD where they have been selling stolen mobile phones.

Forty-seven (47) mobile phones were recovered and one suspect namely Bernard Mwangi Maina, 33, was arrested.

Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi said the suspects had caused havoc in the town.

“They have been terrorising residents, especially within Elgon View estate and other areas,” Mwanthi said.