- Detectives arrested seven suspects linked to a mobile phone theft and black market network in Nairobi
- Over 150 stolen phones, tablets and laptops were recovered from estates, shops and transport hubs
- Investigations revealed cross border links and sophisticated methods used to conceal stolen devices
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TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya
Nairobi residents can breathe a sigh of relief after detectives arrested several suspects believed to be behind a surge in mobile phone snatching and theft across the city.
Source: Twitter
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the arrests followed sustained public outcry over rising cases of phone theft in busy streets, estates and public transport hubs.
In response, a multi agency team led by the DCI’s Operation Support Unit launched an intelligence led operation targeting suspected handlers and dealers of stolen devices.
According to the DCI, the operation resulted in the arrest of seven suspects and the recovery of 150 assorted mobile phones, 16 tablets and six laptops from different locations across Nairobi.
“Following public outcry from city dwellers over increased cases of mobile phone snatching and theft, a multi agency team led by the DCI’s Operation Support Unit mounted an intelligence led operation in various parts of the city,” the investigative agency said in a statement shared on Facebook.
How Ugandan woman was linked to Nairobi phone theft network
One of the key suspects arrested was Nambajwe Zaina, also known as Aisha Nalubanga or Zainab, a Ugandan national apprehended in Shauri Moyo.
Detectives recovered 75 mobile phones packed in sealed boxes and two laptops from her residence.
Investigations revealed that she allegedly acted as a critical link between receivers of stolen phones in Kenya and buyers across the border in Uganda.
The DCI said she worked closely with several accomplices, including Kalyowo Sam, who was also arrested in Shauri Moyo.
Further arrests were made in the city centre, where James Mwangi Gachoka was apprehended at his shop in Tusker House along Ronald Ngala Street.
Detectives recovered 16 tablets and 19 mobile phones from the premises, which investigators believe were destined for the black market.
At Kangemi Bus Station, officers arrested Samuel Sifuna Simiyu, a loader with Starways Express.
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He is accused of facilitating the movement of stolen phone consignments using selected public service vehicle drivers.
In Ngumba Estate, detectives arrested Abonyo Adhiambo Mourine with two mobile phones and two laptops. Additional phone accessories and components were recovered from her shop, Jamki Accessories, located along Tom Mboya Street.
How did detectives recover stolen phones in Nairobi?
Another suspect, Kelvin Kuria Wanjeri, was arrested in Thome Estate after 46 assorted mobile phones were recovered from his residence.
Meanwhile, Mike Ngugi Mwaura was arrested at a garage along Chogoria Road in Nairobi’s Industrial Area, where detectives recovered eight mobile phones and a laptop from his vehicle.
The DCI noted that many of the recovered phones had been tampered with, with some flashed or factory reset to conceal ownership. Others had been dismantled and sold as spare parts.
Detectives have already traced at least one rightful owner.
“One phone was positively identified by Edna Wambui, a resident of Ngando in Dagoretti, whose device was stolen while she was serving customers at a market,” the DCI said.
She has since recorded a statement with investigators.
The agency reiterated that it is committed to dismantling black market networks linked to phone theft and warned criminals that similar operations would continue across Kenyan towns.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
