DCI Seize 417 Stolen Phones, Arrest 3 Suspects In Nyeri

Over 417 suspected stolen mobile phones have been recovered in Nyeri and a 32-year-old man arrested in connection with the theft.

This is according to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations' (DCI) report on Saturday, November 4, which also revealed that two other suspects have been arrested.

The recovery and arrest followed interrogations on two young men earlier arrested by Nyeri detectives, after they were cornered while snatching mobile phones from shoppers in Gatitu, Nyeri.

"John Kariuki and James Thuita were nabbed on November 1, 2023, before detectives proceeded to Gatitu shopping centre where their accomplice David Thinwa Ngatia who operated a mobile phones repair shop was ambushed and the recoveries made," stated the DCI in part.

Other items found stashed in his business space included two TV sets, three laptops, two cameras, 47 mobile subscriber sim cards, an HP printer among others. These were all seized and kept as exhibits.

The Nyeri security command has warned against a surge in pickpocketers who are mostly interested in smartphones.

However, it has assured the public that whatever cartels are involved are on police radar and will soon face the full force of the law.

"Meanwhile, David joins John and James as a guest of the state for the weekend, with his arraignment scheduled for Monday," added the DCI.

On Tuesday, October 24, DCI arrested 11 suspects in Eldoret believed to be harbouring an assortment of stolen electronics, including mobile phones.

The arrest followed an intelligence-led operation carried out by detectives based in the Uasin Gishu County-based town, soon to become a city.

Backed up by Eldoret Police Station officers, the detectives raided the Petresha Building within Eldoret Township where several electronic repair shops believed to be confiscating stolen items were searched and assorted electronics without prerequisite ownership receipts recovered. 

156 mobile phones, 41 laptops, 45 TVs, 25 gas cylinders, 8 fridges, 5 microwaves, 3 gas cookers, 3 water dispensers, 5 woofers, and 1 Canon camera were among the items recovered. 

"The 11 suspects; Anthony Barasa, Patrick Oduor, Ruth Rono, George Maina, Emmanuel Ejiko, Onesmus Kisuye, Emanuel Loyapan, Kelphas Omar, Joseph Mugo, John Waweru and Joyce Wachira were escorted to Eldoret police station for further investigation and the assorted goods kept in custody pending identification by bonafide owners," stated the DCI then.

A person who handles stolen goods is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment with hard labour for a term not exceeding 14 years.