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.
This is a shocking and concerning trend that seems to be escalating. It’s alarming how these criminals are using insider information and advanced tactics to carry out these heists. The fact that bank staff and law enforcement might be involved is deeply troubling and raises serious questions about trust in these institutions. Why aren’t banks implementing stricter security measures to prevent such incidents? It feels like the public is left vulnerable, and the authorities’ response seems reactive rather than proactive. Do you think electronic transfers are a foolproof solution, or are there other ways to ensure safety? This situation makes me wonder if there’s a larger network behind these crimes that needs to be dismantled urgently. What’s your take on this?