Detectives have arrested seven suspects and recovered more than 150 mobile phones following a multi-agency operation targeting an alleged phone theft and black-market syndicate operating across Nairobi.
The intelligence-led operation was mounted by a team led by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Operation Support Unit (OSU) after sustained public outcry over a sharp rise in mobile phone snatching incidents within the city.
The crackdown was conducted in several neighbourhoods, including Shauri Moyo, the central business district, Kangemi, Ngumba, Thome and the Industrial Area.
According to the DCI, the operation led to the recovery of 150 assorted mobile phones, 16 tablets and six laptops from different locations across the capital.
Investigators believe the devices were stolen from unsuspecting members of the public and channelled into an organised resale network.
Among those arrested was Nambajwe Zaina, also known as Aisha Nalubanga or Zainab, a Ugandan national who was apprehended in Shauri Moyo.
Detectives recovered 75 mobile phones packed in sealed boxes and two laptops from her residence.
Investigations established that she played a central role in the network, acting as a link between receivers in Kenya and buyers in Uganda.
Her alleged accomplice, Kalyowo Sam, was also arrested in Shauri Moyo as part of the same operation.
In the city centre, detectives arrested James Mwangi Gachoka at his shop in Tusker House along Ronald Ngala Street.
A search of the premises led to the recovery of 19 mobile phones and 16 tablets suspected to be stolen.
Another suspect, Samuel Sifuna Simiyu, a loader at Starways Express, was arrested at Kangemi Bus Station.
Seven Arrested as DCI Busts Mobile Phone Theft and Black-Market Network in Nairobi
Following public outcry from city dwellers over increased cases of mobile phone snatching and theft, a multi-agency team led by the DCI’s Operation Support Unit (OSU) mounted an intelligence-led… pic.twitter.com/AGCuo7iLdf
— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) January 24, 2026
Police say he facilitated the transportation of stolen phones using selected drivers ferrying consignments out of the city.
Further arrests were made in residential estates. In Ngumba Estate, Abonyo Adhiambo Mourine was arrested with two mobile phones and two laptops, while additional phone components were recovered from her shop, Jamki Accessories, along Tom Mboya Street.
In Thome Estate, detectives arrested Kelvin Kuria Wanjeri after recovering 46 assorted mobile phones from his residence.
Meanwhile, Mike Ngugi Mwaura was arrested at a garage along Chogoria Road in Nairobi’s Industrial Area, where officers recovered eight mobile phones and a laptop from his motor vehicle.
The DCI noted that several of the recovered devices had been tampered with, with operating systems interfered with through flashing or factory resets, while others had been dismantled and sold as spare parts to evade tracing.
Detectives have already traced one of the rightful owners, Edna Wambui, a resident of Ngando in Dagoretti, whose phone was stolen while she was serving customers at a local market.
She has since positively identified her device and recorded a statement with investigators.
The suspects are expected to be arraigned in court as investigations continue.
The DCI said it remains committed to dismantling black-market networks and curbing phone snatching and related crimes in Nairobi and other towns across the country.
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