A 72-year-old woman is recovering from shock after she was violently robbed of Sh1.1 million in a daring daylight attack moments after leaving a bank in Karatina town, Nyeri County.
The woman told police that the incident occurred on December 19 shortly after she withdrew the money from a local Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) branch, where she had gone to access funds for domestic use.
Unaware she was being trailed, the elderly woman boarded a matatu and alighted at Gaitu area at around 11am. As she walked along a quiet murram road towards her home, a black car suddenly pulled up beside her.
Witnesses were not immediately available, but according to her account, four men jumped out of the vehicle and forcefully bundled her inside. The suspects sped off towards the Othaya direction, threatening to kill her if she screamed or sought help.
Moments later, the attackers snatched the cash and her mobile phone before dumping her in Iridieni area within Mukurweini Sub-county and fleeing.
Although she escaped without physical injuries, the woman was left deeply traumatised by the ordeal.
Police officers later visited the scene and the bank as investigations began. Detectives believe the attackers may have had prior knowledge of the withdrawal, raising fears of possible inside information or a leak from someone close to the victim.
The incident is the latest in a worrying trend of criminals targeting unsuspecting bank customers after withdrawing large sums of money, sparking renewed calls for heightened security and vigilance.
