- The manhunt is over for Sospeter Mwangi Gutu, who is wanted in connection with multiple car thefts across Kenya
- He allegedly posed as a car hire driver, stole vehicles, removed the tracker and sold them across the border
- After months on the run, Gutu was caught hiding in Loitoktok after a swoop by DCI detectives and vigilant security agents
A suspected cross-border car thief, Sospeter Mwangi Gutu, has been arrested while hiding in Loitoktok, staying with a woman believed to be one of his accomplices.
Source: Facebook
Gutu, who reportedly uses multiple phone lines and frequently changes handsets, is accused of stealing vehicles across Kenya and selling them in Tanzania.
Which cars did Gutu steal?
Detective Jane Mugoh told TUKO.co.ke that Gutu allegedly stole one car from Nairobi last October, a case reported at Buruburu Police Station.
He has reportedly stolen six more vehicles, with reports of sales in areas including Voi, Emali, Mombasa, Loitoktok, Taveta, Malindi, and Nairobi.
The suspected thief reportedly targeted popular models such as Toyota Noah, Vitz, Probox, Voxy, Duet, Porter, and Axio.
Victims say Gutu often posed as a car hire service provider, offering to take clients’ vehicles to Amboseli and the Maasai Mara, working with a mechanic near Rombo who allegedly removed tracking devices from the stolen cars.
How Gutu stole cars
In one of the incidents, Gutu allegedly hired a vehicle under pretences, claiming he needed to transport his father from Oloitoktok to a hospital.
However, investigations later revealed that his father lives in Kitale, raising suspicions about the legitimacy of the story.
“Typically, he pays for fewer days than agreed, if he hires a car for five days, he pays for only three, and then changes the destination after pickup, promising to settle the remaining balance later,” Mugoh explained.
In many cases, vehicle owners discover that the car’s tracker has been disabled, the number plates have been changed, and the car sold to a new owner.
Source: UGC
Where was Gutu arrested?
Authorities, including the DCI Border Unit led by Gichunge, along with detectives and local security agents successfully apprehended Gutu’s partners in crime at night.
Two days ago, Gutu was reportedly residing with Grace Wanjiru and Jim Mwangi in Loitoktok, both of whom are now in police custody and are suspected collaborators in his criminal activities.
“Gutu currently spots a beard, wears spectacles, and sometimes dons a cap to conceal his identity,” Detective Mugoh said.
Victims and authorities alike have praised the teamwork and perseverance that led to his capture, with heartfelt congratulations extended to the DCI officers, online detectives, and security agents who supported the manhunt.
Jane Mugoh offered KSh 50k reward
The arrest comes four months after detective Jane Mugoh issued a public appeal for assistance in tracking down the suspected thief.
She announced a KSh 50,000 reward for any Kenyan who could provide credible information leading to Gutu’s arrest.
Mugoh explained that the information would lead to the suspect’s arrest and stop him and cartels in the police service who were working with him to steal more vehicles.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
