Saturday, January 24, 2026 - Following public outcry from city dwellers over increased cases of mobile phone snatching and theft, a multi-agency team led by the DCI’s Operation Support Unit (OSU) mounted an intelligence-led operation in various parts of the city.
During the operation, seven individuals suspected of
masterminding the crime and trading the phones on the black market were
arrested, and recoveries of 150 assorted mobile phones, 16 tablets, and six
laptops from different locations across Nairobi were registered.
Among those arrested was Nambajwe Zaina alias Aisha
Nalubanga alias Zainab, a Ugandan national arrested in Shauri Moyo, where
detectives recovered 75 mobile phones packed in sealed boxes and two laptops
from her residence.
Investigations established that she acts as the link between
receivers in Kenya and buyers in Uganda, working closely with several
accomplices, among them Kalyowo Sam, who was also arrested in Shauri Moyo.
Further arrests were made in the city centre, where James
Mwangi Gachoka was arrested at his shop at Tusker House along Ronald Ngala
Street.
Detectives recovered 16 tablets and 19 mobile phones from
the premises.
At Kangemi Bus Station, Samuel Sifuna Simiyu, a loader at
Starways Express, was also arrested for facilitating the movement of the
consignments through selected drivers.
In Ngumba Estate, Abonyo Adhiambo Mourine was arrested with
two phones and two laptops, while additional phone components were recovered
from her shop, Jamki Accessories, along Tom Mboya Street.
In Thome Estate, Kelvin Kuria Wanjeri was arrested after 46
assorted mobile phones were recovered from his residence.
Meanwhile, Mike Ngugi Mwaura was arrested at a garage along
Chogoria Road in the Industrial Area, where detectives recovered eight mobile
phones and a laptop from his motor vehicle.
Notably, several recovered phones had their operating
systems interfered with through flashing or factory resets, while others were
dismantled and sold as spare parts.
Detectives have already traced one rightful owner, Edna
Wambui, a resident of Ngando in Dagoretti, whose phone was stolen while she was
serving customers at the market. She has since positively identified her device
and recorded a statement.
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.
The Kenyan DAILY POST
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