National Police Officers in Makindu, Makueni County, have arrested 38-year-old Musyoka Mutava, the prime suspect in a violent highway ambush that left a motorist injured and his vehicle stolen.

According to a statement from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the incident unfolded after the victim, who was driving a silver Subaru Trezia from Mombasa to Malaba, made the fateful decision to pick up two hitchhikers at Mariakani.

“As they approached Kiunduani Market, one of the passengers requested to alight,” the DCI reported. “But the moment the driver slowed down, two assailants emerged from a nearby thicket, struck him with a blunt object, and disappeared with the vehicle and a bag containing his belongings.”

The victim was rushed to Makindu Sub-County Hospital, where he was treated and later discharged in stable condition.

Following the attack, law enforcement officers launched a tactical pursuit aided by forensic intelligence. Their efforts led them to Ukia in Makueni Sub-County, where the stolen Subaru was recovered and Mutava apprehended.

“Through forensic leads and tactical pursuit, officers trailed the stolen vehicle to Ukia… recovering it and arresting the main suspect, Musyoka Mutava,” the DCI confirmed.

The suspect’s accomplices managed to escape but are now being actively pursued. Detectives recovered key evidence at the scene, including a getaway motorcycle, two sets of vehicle registration plates KDH 486F, which had previously been reported stolen, and KDN 192W as well as a pair of screwdrivers believed to have been used during the theft.

“His accomplices managed to flee the scene but left behind crucial leads,” the DCI said. “The suspect is cooling his heels in custody pending arraignment, as detectives widen the dragnet to reel in the rest of the crew behind this highway heist.”

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and have urged the public to report any suspicious activity or information that could help in apprehending the remaining suspects.