Three suspects accused of violently robbing motorists along the busy Nairobi-Mombasa Highway have been arraigned at the Machakos Law Courts, where they were ordered to remain in custody for 15 more days pending further investigations.
The suspects — Richard Otieno, Jane Muthui, and Pinieli Vavai Lemomo, a Tanzanian national — were arrested by officers from Konza Police Station shortly after a reported carjacking incident. Authorities believe the trio is part of a gang that has been targeting high-end vehicles on the highway. One of their recent heists reportedly involved the theft of a luxury Range Rover.
According to police reports, Lemomo was found without any identification documents, prompting investigators to seek the assistance of Interpol to verify his identity and probe any possible links to cross-border criminal activities.
Senior Principal Magistrate B. Koech granted the prosecution’s request to detain the suspects for an additional 15 days to allow police to complete their inquiries.
“So I have considered the application made by the prosecution through the investigating officer, and I have also noted your responses in the relevant provisions of the law. I will allow the prosecution’s application,” Magistrate Koech ruled. “You will be detained at Machakos Police Station for a period of 15 days, and we’ll have a mention date before the court after 15 days.”
The suspects are scheduled to appear in court again on June 23, 2025.
Written By Rodney Mbua
