3 Arrested As DCI Raid Several Illegal Car Yards In Nairobi

In a major crackdown targeting motor vehicle theft syndicates, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) swooped in on several illegal car yards along Kangundo Road in Nairobi on April 8, 2025.

According to a statement by the National Police Service (NPS), the sting operation, led by an intelligence-driven police team, uncovered a trove of incriminating evidence related to suspected car dismantling yards. 

"As part of the ongoing crackdown on motor vehicle theft syndicates across the country, the National Police Service (NPS), through the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), conducted an intelligence-led operation along Kangundo Road in Nairobi County on April 8, 2025," stated NPS in part.

A photo of two stolen cars at Kamulu on June 17, 2024. /DCI

"The security team raided several establishments suspected of operating as illegal car dismantling yards."

During the operation, the officers recovered assorted number plates, motor vehicle parts, metal-cutting equipment, and three vehicles with altered chassis numbers.

One additional vehicle with suspected fake number plates was intercepted along Kangundo Road.

Three suspects were arrested on site and are currently in custody pending further investigation.

"All the four vehicles were documented and towed to DCI Headquarters for further forensic verification," added NPS.

"The National Police Service appreciates the public’s continued support in the fight against motor vehicle theft. We urge all Kenyans to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the following police emergency Numbers: 999, 911, 112 and #FichuaKwaDCI: 0800 722 703."

This latest operation follows a similar bust in Kisauni just weeks ago, where two suspects — aged 42 and 34 — were arrested in possession of two number plates, two logbooks, and a high-tech key programming device.

The duo had been linked to a vehicle reported stolen from Buruburu Police Station in Nairobi, leading detectives straight to their hideout in Kisauni.

That investigation also revealed a new tactic being used by car thieves: disabling and removing vehicle tracking devices, then discarding them far from the stolen cars to mislead recovery efforts.

The seized key programming machine is a critical tool for these syndicates — it allows them to clone or generate new keys, especially for modern vehicles equipped with transponder chips and keyless entry systems.

In late March, DCI reported that a football fan lamented the loss of his vehicle, which was stolen while parked by the roadside along Kisauni Road behind the Nairobi West Hospital.

The incident happened as he watched the match between Kenya's Harambee Stars and Gabon's national team at the Nyayo Stadium, a match Kenya would lose 2-1, dimming the team's hopes of featuring in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.