A Nairobi businessman was robbed of Ksh7 million shortly after withdrawing the funds from a bank in the Central Business District (CBD), highlighting a troubling trend of targeted heists involving insider collusion and sophisticated surveillance.
The incident occurred on May 10, 2025, when the victim, having completed his transaction, was intercepted by a gang as he exited the bank. The assailants, reportedly armed and operating with precision, seized the cash and fled the scene. Authorities suspect that the criminals had prior knowledge of the withdrawal, possibly obtained through informants within the banking institution.
This case is not isolated. In January 2025, a businessman in Kitengela lost Ksh1.8 million under similar circumstances, with police believing he was trailed from the bank before the theft occurred. In August 2024, another individual was robbed of Ksh1.7 million after being followed from a bank along Mombasa Road to his home in Syokimau.
Investigations into these incidents have revealed a pattern where gangs employ tactics such as posing as customers within banks to identify potential targets. These criminals often use advanced equipment, including fake number plates and police radios, to execute their plans without raising suspicion. There is growing concern about the involvement of rogue bank staff and law enforcement officers in facilitating these crimes.
Law enforcement agencies are urging the public to exercise caution when handling large sums of money. Police recommend utilizing electronic transfers or seeking official security escorts for substantial cash transactions. Financial institutions are also being called upon to enhance their internal security measures and vetting processes to prevent insider collusion.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched a comprehensive probe into the recent Nairobi CBD robbery, reviewing CCTV footage and interviewing bank personnel. Authorities are appealing to anyone with information related to these crimes to come forward, emphasizing the importance of community cooperation in combating this surge in targeted robberies.
