DCI arrests 7 in Nairobi crackdown on mobile phone theft syndicate

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested seven suspects and recovered dozens of stolen electronic devices following an intelligence-led operation targeting a mobile phone snatching and black-market trafficking network in Nairobi.

The multi-agency operation, spearheaded by the DCI’s Operation Support Unit (OSU), was launched after sustained public outcry over a surge in mobile phone thefts affecting city residents.

The crackdown was conducted across several Nairobi neighbourhoods, leading to the recovery of 150 assorted mobile phones, 16 tablets and six laptops.

Among those 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.

Investigators say Zaina played a central role in the syndicate, acting as a key link between receivers in Kenya and buyers in Uganda. Her alleged accomplice, Kalyowo Sam, was also arrested in the same area.

Further arrests were made in the city centre, where James Mwangi Gachoka was arrested at his shop inside Tusker House along Ronald Ngala Street. Officers recovered 16 tablets and 19 mobile phones from the premises.

At Kangemi Bus Station, Samuel Sifuna Simiyu, a loader with Starways Express, was arrested for allegedly facilitating the transportation of stolen phones using selected bus drivers.

In Ngumba Estate, Abonyo Adhiambo Mourine was arrested with two mobile phones and two laptops, while additional phone components were recovered from her shop, Jamki Accessories, along Tom Mboya Street.

Detectives also arrested Kelvin Kuria Wanjeri in Thome Estate after recovering 46 assorted mobile phones from his residence. 

Meanwhile, Mike Ngugi Mwaura was apprehended at a garage along Chogoria Road in Nairobi’s Industrial Area, where eight mobile phones and a laptop were recovered from his vehicle.

Investigations revealed that several of the recovered phones had been tampered with, including flashing and factory resets, while others had been dismantled and sold as spare parts to evade tracing.

The DCI has already traced one of the rightful owners, Edna Wambui, a resident of Ngando in Dagoretti, whose phone was stolen while she was serving customers at a local market. She has since positively identified her device and recorded a statement with investigators.

"The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) remains steadfast in its commitment to dismantling black-market networks and curbing phone snatching and related crimes across Kenyan towns," said the DCI.