Detectives in Mombasa have arrested a Tanzanian couple suspected of drugging unsuspecting passengers before stealing their belongings. The arrests followed an investigation into a passenger who allegedly lost consciousness during a Nairobi-Mombasa bus journey and later discovered that his valuables were missing.

Highlights

• A Tanzanian couple has been arrested in Mombasa.
• Detectives linked stolen property to the suspects’ residence.
• Police recovered phones, watches, wallets and other valuables.
• Suspected stupefying substances were also found.
• Investigators are checking whether the suspects are linked to other passenger theft cases.

Main Story

Couple arrested in Mombasa passenger theft probe

A Tanzanian couple suspected of targeting travellers with drugs before stealing their valuables has been arrested in Mombasa.

The suspects were taken into custody after detectives investigating a reported passenger theft traced some of the missing property to their residence.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations said the case began on September 18 after a passenger travelling from Nairobi to Mombasa aboard a Dreamline bus allegedly became unconscious after interacting with another passenger.

Passenger wakes up in hospital

According to investigators, the victim lost consciousness during the journey and later regained awareness at Tudor Sub-County Hospital.

It was then that he realised his bag and other personal belongings were missing.

Detectives from Makupa Police Station immediately began following leads from the case, eventually tracing the investigation to Magogo.

Valuable items recovered

A search of the suspects’ residence led officers to several items believed to be connected to the reported theft.

Among the property recovered were the complainant’s HP laptop and an iPhone 17 Pro Max, which detectives believe could provide additional leads as the investigation continues.

Officers also recovered a collection of other items suspected to have been stolen.

These included:

• Various mobile phones
• 20 iPhone chargers
• 10 wristwatches
• 20 wallets
• Assorted clothing
• Substances suspected to be stupefying drugs

The recovery has given detectives a significant breakthrough as they work to establish how the items came into the suspects’ possession.

Investigators probe possible wider network

Authorities are now examining whether the couple could be connected to other cases involving passengers travelling between Nairobi and Mombasa.

Detectives are expected to use the recovered property and other evidence to establish whether additional travellers may have been targeted.

The recovered items have been preserved as exhibits as investigations continue.

Suspects await court appearance

The two suspects remain in police custody as detectives complete the investigation and prepare them for arraignment.

Authorities have not yet established the full extent of the alleged operation, with investigators continuing to follow leads that could reveal whether other people were involved.

Travellers using long-distance routes have previously been urged to remain cautious when accepting food, drinks or other items from strangers during journeys.

For passengers on long-distance journeys, a moment of caution can make the difference between reaching your destination safely and becoming the next target.