DCI Operation Leads to Arrest of Seven People Who Operated a Mobile Phone Theft Network in Nairobi
Starways Express loader Samuel Sifuna Simiyu faced arrest at Kangemi Bus Station for his role in stolen device transport through driver coordination.
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. Photo/Courtesy
By Ruth Sang
The DCI Operation Support Unit led a security team operation throughout Nairobi after residents reported more phone theft incidents. The operation led to the arrest of seven suspects believed to be key players in a network involved in stealing mobile phones and selling them through the black market. Authorities discovered 150 mobile phones and 16 tablets and six laptops across various sites in Nairobi.
One of the suspects arrested was Nambajwe Zaina, also known as Aisha Nalubanga or Zainab, a Ugandan national apprehended in Shauri Moyo. Police discovered 75 mobile phones contained in sealed boxes and two laptops at her home during their search operation.
Her role provided direct contact between Kenyan handlers and Ugandan purchasers for local goods. She operated with multiple partners who included Kalyowo Sam who was also apprehended in Shauri Moyo.
Detectives arrested James Mwangi Gachoka at his shop in Tusker House after they performed an operation in the central business district. From the premises officers discovered 19 mobile phones and 16 tablets as stolen items.
Starways Express loader Samuel Sifuna Simiyu faced arrest at Kangemi Bus Station for his role in stolen device transport through driver coordination.
Authorities arrested Abonyo Adhiambo Mourine in Ngumba Estate after he possessed two mobile phones and two laptops. The shop Jamki Accessories which she owns and operates on Tom Mboya Street contained phone accessories which police suspect to belong to illegal trade operations.
Detectives arrested Kelvin Kuria Wanjeri in Thome Estate after they discovered 46 assorted mobile phones inside his residence. Police arrested Mike Ngugi Mwaura at a garage along Chogoria Road in Nairobi’s Industrial Area. Police discovered eight mobile phones and a laptop inside his vehicle.
The police discovered that someone had modified various recovered phones by either flashing their operating systems or performing factory resets while others had become unauthorized parts which people sold as spare components.
Police have located one stolen device which belongs to Edna Wambui from Ngando Dagoretti. Her phone was stolen while she was attending to customers at a market and she has since positively identified it and recorded a statement.
The DCI has reiterated its resolve to dismantle black-market supply chains and intensify efforts to combat mobile phone theft and related criminal activities across towns in Kenya.
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