Kitui County was rocked by a chilling armed robbery on Thursday night after a gang of ruthless criminals stormed Jayveer Hardware Enterprises Limited, killing a watchman, seriously injuring another, and making away with millions of shillings in cash.
According to preliminary police reports, the well-coordinated heist unfolded shortly after 9 PM at the hardware business, located along Mbusyani Road. Armed with guns and other crude weapons, the assailants swiftly eliminated security threats at the premises, before turning their attention to the owners—the family of Indian businessman Jayveer.
A Coordinated Mission
An officer privy to the investigations told Channel 15 News that detectives strongly suspect an insider job, given the precision and coordination with which the robbery was executed.
After shooting the two guards, the thugs gained access to the heavily secured building, where they allegedly rounded up the entire Jayveer family and forced them into one room.
Sources indicate the attackers demanded the day’s cash sales and coerced the businessman into transferring hefty amounts via M-Pesa to unknown numbers.
In a chilling move that suggests premeditation, the criminals forced Jayveer’s son to lead them to the CCTV control room, where they meticulously disconnected all recording devices before making their escape.
A Three-Hour Ordeal
The horrific attack lasted for over three hours, with the family held hostage at gunpoint as the robbers ransacked the premises.
By the time the gang fled, they had not only taken a fortune in cash but also left behind a gruesome crime scene—one guard lay dead, while another was fighting for his life.
Police Launch Manhunt
Kitui Central Sub-County DCI boss John Gacheru confirmed the incident, stating that a forensic team had been deployed to the scene to gather crucial evidence.
“This was not a random attack. The level of organization suggests that someone with inside knowledge of the business and family routine was involved. We are following strong leads,” Gacheru said.
Detectives are currently pursuing the M-Pesa numbers used in the forced transactions, as well as forensic data to piece together the movements of the suspects before and after
