Police in Makindu have arrested a key suspect in a violent highway carjacking incident that left a motorist injured and his vehicle stolen along the busy Mombasa-Malaba highway.
The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Musyoka Mutava, was apprehended in Ukia, Makueni Sub-County, following a successful forensic-led investigation and tactical pursuit by law enforcement officers. Authorities also recovered the stolen silver Subaru Trezia, which had been hijacked near Kiunduani Market in a coordinated ambush.
According to a police statement, the incident occurred after the victim, who was driving from Mombasa to Malaba, picked up two hitchhikers at Mariakani. Trouble began when one of the passengers asked to alight near Kiunduani. As the driver slowed down, two armed assailants emerged from a nearby thicket, attacked the driver with a blunt object, and fled with the vehicle and the victim’s personal belongings.
The injured motorist was rushed to Makindu Sub-County Hospital, where he was treated and later discharged in stable condition.
During the recovery operation, police also seized a motorcycle believed to have been used as a getaway vehicle, two sets of number plates, KDH 486F (earlier reported stolen from a parked vehicle) and KDN 192W, and a pair of screwdrivers.
Police say Mutava is in custody and will be arraigned in court upon the completion of investigations. Meanwhile, a manhunt has been launched to apprehend his accomplices, who managed to escape but left behind crucial leads.
Authorities have urged motorists to exercise caution when offering lifts to strangers, especially along highway corridors.
Written By Rodney Mbua
