Botched bank robbery raises more questions

The figures aren’t adding up on Tuesday’s botched robbery at Equity Bank in Kisumu. Police are also grappling with the strange sequence of events during the reported “three-hour gunfight” with suspected robbers.

Detectives are under pressure to unravel how the gunmen acquired tear gas canisters, which were used to create confusion that facilitated their dramatic escape as police stormed the building at 11.30am.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has also maintained a studious silence more than 24 hours after the incident, with no reports from their usually active social media platforms. 

Nyanza Regional Commissioner Magu Mutindika told the Nation yesterday detectives interrogated 20 people but are yet to gain any leads.

“We don’t know the person who had the tear gas canister but we suspect it could be an ex-officer. This is what they have been doing to cause confusion when they are cornered. So far there are no arrests, no money was stolen and all the bank staff are safe,” he said.

Tear gas canister

Police questioned the branch manager, staff and customers who were at the hall during the incident but they are yet to make any arrests.

Police said the suspects flashed a threatening note to a bank teller, demanding an undisclosed amount of money, who instead raised the alarm. 

Equity Bank posted on Facebook: “Dear member, we had an incident where armed robbers gained access into the banking hall of our Kisumu Ang’awa Branch. Security agents led by local authorities are currently on the scene. All staff are safe and no cash was lost.” 

It remains a mystery as to who hurled the tear gas canister, causing a scare in the banking hall. Who was the person caught on camera allegedly changing clothes before escaping?

By last evening, police were yet to give any statement on the CCTV footage. 

Caught on camera

It captured a man changing his shirt before swiftly moving down to escape with other customers in the ensuing confusion.

Kisumu City Residents Voice chairman Audi Ogada urged the police to issue a statement on the incident.

“We are demanding a report from the Inspector-General of Police and DCI on what exactly happened during the standoff. It was such a daring robbery. The incident has sent fear among residents,” he said.

Mr Boniface Akach, an activist with Kondele Community Social Justice, wondered how a suspected robber could be in possession of a tear gas canister.

“The person knew how to operate it; this already raises questions. We appreciate the police acting swiftly, but we need answers,” he said.

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