In an intensified crackdown on rising highway robberies along the Nairobi-Mombasa highway, detectives in Voi have arrested three suspects believed to be the masterminds behind a brazen truck hijacking incident.
The suspects, David Karanja, Juma Jumamosi, and Josephine Nthamba Mutie, are linked to a violent robbery that unfolded on April 9, 2025, near Ikanga. On that day, an Isuzu FRR truck (registration KDC 020G) was transporting gypsum from Nairobi to Mombasa when one suspect suddenly darted onto the road from nearby bushes. The truck driver swerved to avoid hitting the individual, causing the vehicle to veer off the road and stall.
Seizing the opportunity, about five armed assailants emerged from the bushes. One, wielding a pistol, forced his way into the truck, handcuffed the driver and co-driver, and pushed them behind the seats. The criminals then took control of the vehicle and drove toward Mombasa, abandoning the victims roughly 300 meters away before disappearing with the truck.
Police quickly launched an investigation, using forensic evidence to track down Karanja and Jumamosi. Officers arrested them in a hideout in Taveta. Jumamosi also led detectives to his Bahati residence, where they recovered the stolen truck’s number plate along with tools believed to aid in the hijacking.
The two suspects appeared before Voi Chief Magistrate’s Court on May 19, where the court granted a 14-day custodial order to allow further investigation.
On June 2, police arrested the third suspect, Josephine Nthamba, in Makindu. She was also remanded for 14 days as detectives press on with their investigation to apprehend additional suspects and recover the stolen truck.
