Dubai police cars [Photo: Courtesy]

Police in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) have launched a massive manhunt for a Kenyan man after he allegedly stole Sh137 million (Dh5 million) in Dubai.

According to Khaleej Times, the unnamed security guard disappeared after stealing the money from a vehicle that was transporting the cash to an ATM at a popular shopping mall in the city.

The daily reports that the man pulled a fast one on his colleagues by distracting them at the mall before vanishing with the millions.

They added that the rare heist in the country happened at around 10:30 pm.

Citizens in the Middle Eastern country have commented on the theft with some slamming the alleged thief for soiling the reputation of his home country, Kenya.

Gladys: What a shame. Such a Selfish human being who doesn't think about the reputation of his fellow county and it's people. (I am a Kenyan...and this is disgusting)

Omer: So sad news bt Dubai police is best police in world so they will caught the thief soon InshAllah

Mumtaz: Dubai police is very smart and intelligent. We are confident that the thief / criminal will be caught very soon.

Lisa: These are the kind of Kenyans who are messing up our reputation in UAE. I hope this is the last incident of tainting our beautiful country name

The amount stolen brings back memories of last year’s historic tunnel robbery at the KCB bank, Thika branch, after a gang dug a hole, gained access and stole Sh50 million from the bank's vaults.

They reportedly used oxy-acetylene welding machine to generate a flame that they used to drill holes into the two bank safes that had the loot.