Naivasha lorry driver arrested in multi-million shilling smuggling sting
Rift Valley
By
Antony Gitonga
| Jun 10, 2025
Police and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) officers in Naivasha have recovered unaccustomed goods worth over Sh30 million in a sting operation along the Mai Mahiu-Narok road.
The driver of a lorry that was destined for Nairobi from a neighbouring country was arrested as police launched a search for the owners of the goods, which mainly included cigarettes.
Drama unfolded along the busy road after the lorry driver attempted to flee when flagged down, prompting police to give chase.
According to Naivasha DCIO Isaac Kiama, police acting on a tip-off had flagged down the lorry as part of ongoing investigations.
He said that after catching up with the vehicle, the driver was arrested and the lorry was taken to Naivasha Police Station, where KRA officers joined the operation.
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"After inspecting the lorry, we found it was ferrying assorted and unaccustomed goods worth over Sh30 million into the country from one of our neighbours," he said.
The CID boss confirmed that the majority of the goods were cigarettes, adding that the lone suspect would be arraigned in court to face various charges.
"We are seeking the owners of the lorry and the contraband cargo, and it's only a matter of time before we arrest them," he added.
Meanwhile, a 42-year-old man was hit and killed by a boulder while working in a quarry in Karati village, 20 km from Naivasha town.
The incident occurred barely a week after a 51-year-old man died in a similar manner in a nearby quarry, raising concerns over safety in the area.
According to Kiama, a loose boulder crushed the man, killing him on the spot as his colleagues scrambled for safety.
"We had another incident where a middle-aged man was hit and killed by a boulder in a different quarry, and there is a need to address the issue of safety," said Kiama.