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DCI Cracks Down on Car Theft Syndicates: 28 Suspects Nabbed, 22 Vehicles Recovered in 11 Counties
In a sweeping crackdown against rising cases of vehicle theft, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested 28 suspects and recovered 22 stolen vehicles across 11 counties in Kenya.
The sophisticated operation, spearheaded by the DCI’s Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) and the Headquarters’ Operation Action Team (OAT), targeted high-risk counties including Nairobi, Kiambu, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Machakos, Kajiado, Kisumu, Kakamega, Busia, and Bungoma.
According to DCI Director Mohamed Amin, the arrests followed weeks of coordinated surveillance aimed at dismantling criminal syndicates behind a spate of carjackings, violent robberies, parking lot thefts, and fraudulent car hire schemes.
“This operation was aimed at disabling an entire ecosystem of motor vehicle theft that had begun to spread across counties and even beyond our borders,” said Amin.
Some of the recovered vehicles had already been sold to unsuspecting Kenyans, while others had been smuggled into neighboring countries, particularly Uganda and Tanzania.
Key Players in the Car Theft Underworld
Among the arrested was Julius Mutua John, apprehended in Joska after stealing a Toyota Allion. Investigators say he worked closely with George Nyakundi Ogoro in executing car hire scams.
Alphas Kimaiga Mogaka, described as a “tech expert,” allegedly specialized in disabling vehicle tracking systems, while Simon Mugo Chege was responsible for erasing vehicle identities to prevent tracing.
Another major suspect, Raphael Oloo Kira — who operated under the alias “Cease Fire” — was accused of producing counterfeit number plates for use on stolen vehicles.
Lucy Wainoi Muriuki, the manager of a Kayole car yard, was also arrested. A raid on the yard revealed several stolen vehicles with tampered chassis numbers. Authorities claim she earned commissions from the sale of stolen vehicles disguised as legitimate stock.
Other suspects include:
- Francis Kamau Mburu alias Sadam – a known dealer in stolen vehicles
- Timothy Ndegwa Wangeci alias Kirito and Moses Mahehu Mugo – accused of forced car theft from parking areas
- William Gushu Irungu and Gideon Mutugi Kibaata alias Vaite – linked to a series of carjackings
- Two unnamed individuals operating as a coordinated car theft duo
- A city auctioneer allegedly collaborating with the syndicates
Public Caution and Cross-Border Collaboration
All suspects have been charged in various courts with offences ranging from vehicle theft and fraud to conspiracy and possession of falsified documents.
The DCI is now urging the public to:
- Install anti-theft devices
- Verify car hire clients
- Park in secure areas
- Confirm vehicle documents before purchasing
- Stay alert, especially when driving alone or at night
“The National Police Service is committed to protecting the lives and property of Kenyans. We are working closely with regional partners to disrupt the cross-border trade of stolen vehicles,” the DCI said in a public notice.
Kenyans are encouraged to report suspicious activity or assist in recovery efforts via toll-free numbers 999, 112, or anonymously through #FichuaKwaDCI at 0800 722 203.
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DCI Cracks Down on Car Theft Syndicates: 28 Suspects Nabbed, 22 Vehicles Recovered in 11 Counties