Suspects in a violent carjacking case that is being heard in a Kangundo Law Court. Photo Virginia Siebela 
By Virginia Siebela
A key witness on Thursday shocked a Kangundo court after narrating how he was duped by a prime suspect to help withdraw cash in a Nairobi casino — only to later learn the money was stolen from a victim of a violent carjacking.
The case involves the violent robbery of retired Chief Physiotherapist Titus Muteti Kilika, who was attacked on April 29, 2024, at Kambai Junction along the Kangundo–Mwala Road in Kangundo Sub-County, Machakos County.
During the attack, assailants made away with Kilika’s Samsung mobile phone, national identity card, NHIF card, medical practitioner card, multiple bank ATM cards (Equity, Family, Sidian, and Shirika), and cash amounting to Sh1,503,111.
Four key suspects — Duncan Wambua Kimeu, Dennis Ndolo Mutunga, Wambua Kinyili Mutunga, and Charles Mutinda Margaret — have since been arrested and remain in custody as the trial continues.
Contractor Augustine Muoki, testifying before Principal Magistrate Sammy Opande, recounted how his longtime acquaintance, driver Duncan Wambua, lured him into a late-night trip to Nairobi.
On April 30, a day after the robbery, Duncan repeatedly called Muoki requesting assistance to withdraw money. Muoki referred him to another friend, Benjamin, but by 11:00 p.m., Duncan pressed him to personally accompany the group.
The trio met at a petrol station in Athi River before driving to Westlands in Duncan’s car. Muoki said Duncan withdrew Sh300,000, which he used to gamble at a casino but lost in six games. After a partial refund of Sh240,000, Duncan gave both Muoki and Benjamin Sh20,000 each, far below the agreed commission of Sh40,000.
“Duncan told us the money was meant for his uncle’s hospital expenses,” Muoki testified. Days later, he was arrested along Kiambu Road by officers from the DCI headquarters, who linked the funds to the Kangundo robbery.
Several other witnesses also gave testimony, including Chief Inspector Martin Kitayi, Dr. James Kilika, Police Corporal Morgan Wekesa, and retired Corporal Mwakideo.
Inspector Kitayi told the court that exhibits and memos submitted by lead investigator Senior Sergeant Fredrick Maina would be subjected to forensic analysis.
Corporal Wekesa narrated how the breakthrough arrests were made. He said Duncan was the first to be apprehended and, upon interrogation, admitted he had accomplices.
This led to the arrest of Dennis Ndolo and later attempts to capture another suspect in Mlolongo. Acting on intelligence, officers trailed suspects to a Kiambu Road club, where they also arrested Muoki — who later turned into a state witness.
Corporal Wekesa positively identified the suspects in court.
The high-profile robbery-with-violence case will be mentioned again on October 28, 2025.
