Detectives have arrested a third suspect linked to a daring Sh1 million daylight robbery in which a woman was robbed at gunpoint along the Shamakhokho–Serem road in Vihiga County.

The latest suspect, identified as 36-year-old Sammy Angwegwe, was arrested in the Esirulo area of Emuhaya following an intelligence-led operation involving detectives from different units.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the operation was conducted by detectives from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), Western Region, in collaboration with officers from Embali Police Station in Emuhaya Sub-County and detectives from DCI Hamisi.

Angwegwe joins two other suspects already in police custody over the October 19, 2026 robbery, which saw a woman lose Sh1 million she had withdrawn from a bank in Mbale.

According to the DCI, the victim was accompanied by a friend when they withdrew the money, which was intended for the purchase of building materials.

The two women placed the cash in a shopping bag before boarding a matatu and travelling to Shamakhokho stage, where they hired a motorcycle for the onward journey to Chemobo Village in Nandi County.

However, their journey was interrupted near Erusui Girls School when a white Toyota Probox suddenly blocked their way.

Four men reportedly emerged from the vehicle and confronted the two women, with two of the attackers armed with pistols.

The gang then seized the shopping bag containing the Sh1 million, alongside another bag carrying the victim’s personal valuables, before fleeing towards Serem Town.

The incident prompted detectives from DCI Hamisi to visit the scene and launch investigations in pursuit of the suspects.

The latest arrest marks another breakthrough in the investigations, with detectives now seeking to establish the full extent of the robbery and identify other individuals who may have been involved.

The DCI said the three suspects remained in custody undergoing processing ahead of their arraignment in court.

Detectives are continuing with investigations as they pursue additional leads to dismantle the criminal network behind the robbery and bring all those involved to justice.