Chinese national murdered as thugs raid warehouse in Athi River

Police are investigating an incident where a Chinese national was murdered and two others critically injured after thugs raided their residence in Athi River wee hours of Friday morning.

The trio included two men and one woman according to Machakos Criminal Investigations officer (CCIO) Charles Mutua. 

The deceased Jia Yuan, whose age was not immediately established, succumbed to a deep cut from the mouth to the back of the head at Shalom Community Hospital in Athi River where the trio had been rushed.

Jia Yuwei aged 47, a female had a deep cut on the head and swollen right chick while Jia Zheng Ming aged 37 had several deep cuts on the head according to a police source.

Both were treated and transferred to a Nairobi hospital while the body was moved to the Shalom Community Hospital mortuary.

Independent sources told the Star that three of the thugs wore uniforms of 'A' team security company guarding the premises.

Mutua said the incident happened at a go down in Greyland estate between 2–3 am.

“Yesterday at between 2 am and 3 am, this premises was invaded by five to seven criminals who were armed with crude weapons including machetes, metal bars and such. After entry, they proceeded to the guard room where they found a watchman and tied him then proceeded to warehouses 7 and 8,” Mutua said.

Accompanied by Athi River deputy county commissioner Charles Wambugu and area sub-county police commander Anderson Njagi, Mutua addressed reporters at the scene on Friday evening.

He added, “In that warehouse, there were three Chinese nationals who reside there. The thugs were able to gain entry by breaking glasses. Upon entry, there were some scuffles that led to serious injuries to the three Chinese nationals. Immediately police were informed in good time, they rushed to the scene and found that the thugs had already escaped but the injured Chinese were still at there.”

Mutua said no suspect had been arrested in connection to the incident by press time.

He said police took the three to Shalom Community Hospital but unfortunately one died of injuries while two others were admitted in stable condition.

Mutua said investigations had been launched and special teams of homicide and cybercrime unit units were on the ground.

Sleuths from these DCI departments were dusting the scene when the reporters arrived.

“These experts are on the ground as we speak helping us in processing the scene so that we get to the bottom of the matter. The injured watchman attacked by the thugs was robbed of a phone. We want to inform members of the public especially foreign nationals who are in premises like this that they should treat security matters seriously,” Mutua said.

He said the security team, detected security lapses at the warehouse.

There were only two watchmen guarding the premises which to them wasn’t in order.

“Even security apparatus in the sub county were not fully briefed on the presence of such foreigners here. Let those who have such businesses get in touch with police command so that we be aware that there are such people here,” Mutua said.

Mutua said investors should beef up security in their premises and warned against living in warehouses.

He exuded confidence that the suspects behind the incident will be arrested.

Mutua said they were treating the incident as robbery with violence.

“The thugs might have been here for financial gains but were not able to get away with the money. We have CCTVs around which we are going through already. It is clear that they scaled the electrified perimeter wall at some time,” he said.

He said the electrified fence wasn’t working during the incident and the electricity wasn’t on.