A theft investigation that began in Murang’a has taken detectives to Nairobi, where three men have been arrested and 32 mobile phones suspected to be stolen recovered. The operation also uncovered a tablet, MacBook Air, phone packaging materials and business records believed to be relevant to the ongoing probe.
Highlights
- Three suspects were arrested in Nairobi CBD.
- Detectives recovered 32 suspected stolen mobile phones and a tablet.
- A MacBook Air and cash-counting machine were also seized.
- Investigators found 22 empty phone boxes and several receipt and record books.
- The probe began after a vehicle break-in reported in Murang’a in May 2025.
Main Story
Murang’a Theft Probe Leads to Nairobi
A long-running investigation into the theft of property from a locked motor vehicle in Murang’a has resulted in three arrests in Nairobi.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), detectives from Murang’a East Sub-County worked with their colleagues from Central Nairobi to follow leads that eventually took them to the Nairobi Central Business District.
The operation resulted in the arrest of three men identified by the DCI as Michael Waweru, Wilson Wanjama and Samuel Kimani.
32 Phones Recovered
Following the arrests, detectives searched the suspects’ premises and recovered 32 mobile phones of different types alongside a tablet.
The devices are being treated as suspected stolen property as investigators work to establish their rightful owners and determine how they came into the suspects’ possession.
Other electronic equipment was also found during the operation, including a MacBook Air and a Lightwave cash-counting machine.
Phone Boxes and Business Records Raise Questions
Detectives also recovered 22 empty mobile-phone boxes without IMEI numbers.
Several documents were seized as well, including two counter books, five small books, two notebooks and 12 receipt books.
The DCI says the materials could help investigators establish whether the suspects were involved in the storage, packaging or sale of phones obtained through illegal means.
The records may also assist detectives in tracing the movement of the devices and identifying other people who could be connected to the investigation.
Investigation Continues
The three suspects have been taken to Murang’a Police Station, where they remain in custody as detectives finalise their investigations.
Officers are expected to establish the origin of the recovered phones, identify their owners and examine whether the suspects could be linked to other theft cases.
The operation comes amid continued investigations into networks dealing in suspected stolen electronics. Similar DCI operations have recently resulted in the recovery of large numbers of mobile phones and equipment believed to be connected to illegal phone businesses.
The suspects are expected to be presented in court once the investigative process is complete.
As detectives trace the ownership and movement of the recovered devices, the investigation could reveal whether the Nairobi arrests are linked to a wider network dealing in stolen phones.
