A major black-market mobile phone theft network operating across Nairobi has been smashed following an intelligence-led operation by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), culminating in the arrest of seven suspects and the recovery of more than 150 stolen gadgets.
The multi-agency operation, spearheaded by the DCI’s Operation Support Unit (OSU), was mounted after mounting public outcry over rampant phone snatching and theft targeting unsuspecting city residents. The coordinated swoop stretched across several Nairobi neighbourhoods, exposing a well-organized syndicate dealing in stolen phones, tablets and laptops.
Detectives recovered 150 assorted mobile phones, 16 tablets and six laptops, believed to have been stolen from victims across the city and trafficked through a sophisticated black-market supply chain.
Among the key suspects arrested was Nambajwe Zaina, also known as Aisha Nalubanga or Zainab, a Ugandan national nabbed in Shauri Moyo. A search of her residence yielded 75 mobile phones packed in sealed boxes and two laptops. Investigators say she acted as a critical link between receivers in Kenya and buyers across the border in Uganda. Her alleged accomplice, Kalyowo Sam, was also arrested in the same area.
In the Nairobi Central Business District, detectives arrested James Mwangi Gachoka at his shop inside Tusker House along Ronald Ngala Street, where 19 mobile phones and 16 tablets were recovered.
The dragnet extended to Kangemi Bus Station, where Samuel Sifuna Simiyu, a loader with Starways Express, was arrested for allegedly facilitating the transportation of stolen devices through selected public service vehicle drivers.
In Ngumba Estate, detectives arrested Abonyo Adhiambo Mourine, recovering two mobile phones and two laptops, alongside additional phone components found at her shop, Jamki Accessories, located along Tom Mboya Street.
Another suspect, Kelvin Kuria Wanjeri, was arrested in Thome Estate after detectives recovered 46 assorted mobile phones from his residence.
Meanwhile, Mike Ngugi Mwaura was apprehended at a garage along Chogoria Road in the Industrial Area, where officers recovered eight mobile phones and a laptop from his vehicle.
Investigators noted that several of the recovered phones had their operating systems tampered with through flashing or factory resets, while others had been dismantled and sold as spare parts — a tactic commonly used to conceal ownership and frustrate tracking efforts.
In a breakthrough for victims, detectives traced one rightful owner, Edna Wambui, a resident of Ngando, 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.
The DCI has reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling organized black-market networks and curbing mobile phone theft, urging members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
“As criminals evolve their methods, so too will our strategies,” the DCI said, warning that perpetrators involved in phone snatching, trafficking and illegal resale will be relentlessly pursued.
The suspects are expected to be arraigned as investigations continue.
