DCI arrests 28 suspects, recovers 22 stolen vehicles across 11 counties

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested 28 suspects and recovered 22 stolen vehicles in a major operation targeting rising cases of motor vehicle theft across the country.

According to the detectives, some of the recovered vehicles had already been sold to unsuspecting buyers within Kenya, while others had been smuggled into neighbouring countries, particularly Uganda and Tanzania.

The arrests followed weeks of surveillance and coordinated intelligence gathering by the DCI’s Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), which launched a comprehensive operation to identify and dismantle criminal syndicates behind the thefts.

The operation, conducted in collaboration with the DCI Headquarters’ Operation Action Team (OAT), focused on 11 high-risk counties including Nairobi, Kiambu, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Machakos, Kajiado, Kisumu, Kakamega, Busia and Bungoma.

DCI noted that the thefts occurred through various means, including car hire scams, theft from parking lots, robbery with violence and carjacking incidents.

The syndicates relied on a network of individuals with specialised roles, from carjackers and con artists to those skilled in disguising stolen vehicles.

Among those arrested was Julius Mutua John, who was seized in Joska after stealing a Toyota Allion. George Nyakundi Ogoro, who was also apprehended, is said to have worked closely with Mutua in executing thefts through car hire schemes.

Alphas Kimaiga Mogaka was identified as an expert in disabling vehicle tracking systems, while Simon Mugo Chege is believed to specialise in erasing a vehicle’s identity to prevent tracing. Another key suspect, Raphael Oloo Kira, alias Cease Fire, is accused of fabricating counterfeit number plates and attaching them to stolen vehicles after removing the originals.

Detectives also arrested Lucy Wainoi Muriuki, who manages a Car Yard in Kayole. During a raid on April 8, 2025, DCI said several stolen vehicles with altered chassis numbers were found at the yard, where they had been prepared for sale. She allegedly received commissions for each transaction involving a stolen vehicle.

Also in custody is Francis Kamau Mburu, alias Sadam, a well-known dealer in stolen vehicles, alongside Timothy Ndegwa Wangeci, alias Kirito, and Moses Mahehu Mugo, who are said to be actively involved in stealing cars from parking lots using forced entry. Investigators noted that Mugo worked closely with William Gushu Irungu and Gideon Mutugi Kibaata, alias Vaite, both of whom were also arrested for similar offences.

The DCI further arrested two suspects, who are accused of operating as a duo to steal cars from parking areas. An auctioneer was also implicated for collaborating with vehicle theft syndicates operating within Nairobi.

“All apprehended suspects have been arraigned in different courts across the country to face charges related to motor vehicle theft, fraud, and other related offences,” the agency said on Thursday.

The DCI has now urged members of the public to take extra precautions, including installing anti-theft devices, verifying car hire clients, parking in secure areas, remaining alert while on the road and confirming vehicle documents before making a purchase.

“The National Police Service remains committed to eradicating motor vehicle theft and ensuring the safety of all Kenyans. We have intensified our intelligence-gathering efforts and are collaborating with regional partners to curb the cross-border trade of stolen vehicles,” the DCI said.

Kenyans have been urged to report suspicious activity and assist in recovery efforts by contacting the nearest police station or using the toll-free lines: 999, 112, or #FichuaKwaDCI (0800 722 203).

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