A senior Homa Bay County Assembly official is counting losses after being robbed of Sh450,000 shortly after withdrawing the money from Equity Bank in Homa Bay Town. Police say the cash was meant to pay service providers for her mother’s funeral.
The Friday-evening incident has triggered intense concern over the rising cases of trail-and-rob attacks across the country, particularly those targeting individuals leaving banking halls.
Robbers Trailed Her From the Bank
According to police, the woman withdrew cash from Equity Bank before boarding a vehicle headed to her home in the Kogwe area. But just as she waited for her gate to be opened, a four-man gang that is believed to have monitored her movements struck with precision.
The attackers blocked her vehicle, forced her out, and bundled her into their getaway car. They then ransacked her vehicle, taking cash, a laptop, and several work documents.
Driven Away, Dumped by the Roadside
The gang drove with the woman for several kilometres towards Rongo, before dumping her in the Riosiri area and fleeing.
Despite the terrifying ordeal, the victim managed to call for help and later filed a report at Rodi Police Station.
Police Probe Possible Insider Tip-Off
Detectives believe the robbery may have been coordinated using insider information or through real-time monitoring within the banking hall.
A team of officers has since visited the bank, reviewed CCTV footage, and interviewed staff to establish whether the suspects were inside before the robbery.
Police say investigations are ongoing, with efforts underway to track down the gang and recover the stolen items.
Rising Cases of Bank-to-Home Robberies
This incident adds to a troubling trend in which criminals target individuals immediately after high-value withdrawals. Security experts urge Kenyans handling large cash amounts to request police escort or use secure bank-to-bank transfers instead.
