Detectives have arrested two men suspected of involvement in a Sh1 million robbery in Nandi County after an intelligence-led operation in Mudete, Sabatia Sub-County, led to their capture and the recovery of several items believed to be linked to criminal activities.
The suspects, identified as Charles Alure Kutai, 54, and Hillary Akurumana, 34, were arrested following investigations into the robbery of a woman who had withdrawn the money from a bank to purchase building materials.
The incident occurred on October 19, 2026, at around 2:50 pm in Chemobo Village, Aldai Constituency, Nandi County. The victim was travelling with a friend after withdrawing the cash from Co-operative Bank’s Mbale Branch.
According to detectives, the two women boarded a matatu after completing the bank transaction. They later alighted at Shamakhokho public service vehicle stage, where they hired a motorcycle to take them to Chemobo Village.
Their journey was interrupted when they reached a murram road near Erusui Girls Secondary School. A white Toyota Probox reportedly blocked their way, forcing them to stop.
Before the women could understand what was happening, four men emerged from the vehicle and confronted them. Two of the attackers were armed with pistols, which they allegedly used to threaten the victims before taking the money.
The suspects reportedly escaped with the Sh1 million, which had been packed in a shopping bag.
They also took another bag containing the victim’s National Identity Card, Co-operative Bank ATM card and an Itel mobile phone before driving towards Serem Town.
The robbery was subsequently reported to the police, prompting detectives to launch investigations aimed at identifying and arresting those responsible.
The operation, conducted during the night by Serem-based detectives, was led by the Officer in Charge of CRIB Western, DCI Hamisi, alongside officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations in Sabatia.
The operation led to the arrest of Kutai and Akurumana in the Mudete area of Sabatia Sub-County.
Detectives later searched Kutai’s residence, where they recovered several items suspected to be connected to criminal activities. Among the items found were two pocket phones, ten assorted mobile phones, a handcuff, several Safaricom and Airtel SIM cards, a penknife and a screwdriver.
Officers also recovered several cut-out motor vehicle registration number plates, which are part of the items being examined as investigations continue.
The two men are suspected of being involved in other similar robberies reported in the region. Detectives are pursuing additional leads to establish whether the suspects have links to other incidents and identify possible accomplices who may still be at large.
Investigators are continuing to piece together evidence surrounding the robbery and the items recovered during the operation. The findings are expected to help establish the suspects’ possible involvement in other criminal incidents.
The arrests form part of ongoing efforts by detectives to track down suspects linked to violent robberies, recover stolen property and investigate criminal networks operating within the region.
