![Authorities say the criminals usually contract a mechanic, who expertly vandalises the vehicles for spare parts. [PHOTO | DCI KENYA]](https://i0.wp.com/www.k24tv.co.ke/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/VANDALISED-CARS.jpg?resize=730%2C414&ssl=1)
DCI detectives have arrested five people suspected of carjacking taxi drivers operating in Githurai, Ruiru and Kirigiti areas in Kiambu County.
The sleuths say the gang has been targeting Little Cab drivers.
“So organised are the gang members, that one of them poses like the usual cab passenger but once inside the cab, he squeezes the driver’s neck from the back seat and commandeers the car to a secluded area where his accomplices join him,” said the DCI in a Twitter post on Wednesday.
“The driver is then robbed of his valuables after being assaulted, and his vehicle vandalised.”
The detectives claim that on February 10, one of the suspects hailed a taxi to take him to Kirigiti from Githurai Kimbo. The suspect told the driver he was going to pick his ailing mother, who was in need of emergency medical care.
“The unsuspecting cab driver then set off for the journey, but on reaching Kirigiti, where they were supposed to pick an ailing woman, a male adult emerged and entered the vehicle instead. The vehicle was then commandeered to Sasini coffee bushes where three more thugs emerged,” said the DCI.
“They vandalised the vehicle, making away with the headlights and tail lights, side mirrors, mirror switches, car battery and the spare wheel.”
DCI detectives say barely a day later, the same gang carjacked two other taxi drivers in Mwihoko.
On Monday, the suspects were, however, arrested, police say.
The five are: Peter Njoroge Kirika, John Muchoki Gatuhu, John Kimani Nganga, Peter Mwangi Murima and Benson Itimu Kariuki.
“Three of the suspects are ex-convicts for various capital offences, including robbery with violence and murder,” said the DCI.
Authorities say the criminals usually contract a mechanic, who expertly vandalises the vehicles for spare parts.
“A vehicle used by the gang, assorted keys, screw drivers and sacks for carrying vandalised motor vehicle parts were also recovered.
“Also recovered were original identity cards belonging to victims of crime, which are used to register SIM cards and lure unsuspecting cab drivers. Also found, was a mobile phone for making taxi requests.”
The five were arraigned on Tuesday, February 16 at a Ruiru court.
The court allowed police ten days to detain the suspects as investigations into the allegations levelled against them continue.
On Wednesday, February 17 DCI detectives recovered a vandalised vehicle, a Toyota Ractis of registration plate number KCX 716G, in Githurai area.
“DCI detectives are currently hot on the heels of a crooked businessman, who profiteers from the sale of vandalised vehicle parts,” said the DCI on Twitter.
