Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested seven people suspected to be part of a well-organised mobile phone theft and trafficking syndicate operating in Nairobi.
The arrests followed an intelligence-led, multi-agency operation carried out after rising complaints from the public about increased phone snatching incidents in the city. The operation was led by the DCI’s Operation Support Unit (OSU) and covered several neighbourhoods across Nairobi.
During the crackdown, officers recovered a total of 150 mobile phones, 16 tablets, and six laptops, believed to have been stolen from victims in different parts of the city.
One of the key suspects arrested is Nambajwe Zaina, also known as Aisha Nalubanga or Zainab, a Ugandan national arrested in Shauri Moyo. Police recovered 75 mobile phones packed in sealed boxes and two laptops from her house. Investigators believe she played a central role in the syndicate by linking phone thieves in Kenya to buyers in Uganda. Her suspected accomplice, Kalyowo Sam, was also arrested in the same area.
In Nairobi’s city centre, detectives arrested James Mwangi Gachoka at his shop inside Tusker House along Ronald Ngala Street, where 19 mobile phones and 16 tablets were recovered.
Another suspect, Samuel Sifuna Simiyu, a loader at Kangemi Bus Station, was arrested for allegedly helping transport stolen phones using selected bus drivers.
Police also arrested Abonyo Adhiambo Mourine in Ngumba Estate, where two mobile phones and two laptops were recovered. Additional phone spare parts were found at her shop, Jamki Accessories, along Tom Mboya Street.
In Thome Estate, detectives arrested Kelvin Kuria Wanjeri after recovering 46 mobile phones from his residence. Meanwhile, Mike Ngugi Mwaura was arrested at a garage along Chogoria Road in the Industrial Area, where officers recovered eight mobile phones and a laptop from his vehicle.
Investigations revealed that many of the recovered phones had been flashed, factory reset, or dismantled into spare parts to avoid tracking and identification.
The DCI has already traced at least one victim, Edna Wambui from Ngando, Dagoretti, whose phone was stolen while she was serving customers at a local market. She has since identified her phone and recorded a statement with investigators.
Police say the suspects will be arraigned in court once investigations are completed. The DCI has also urged members of the public to avoid buying second-hand phones from unverified sellers and to report phone theft incidents promptly.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations remains committed to dismantling criminal networks and protecting Kenyans from phone snatching and related crimes,” the DCI said in a statement.
