Detectives have arrested five suspects and recovered two Isuzu lorries that were stolen in Murang’a County six months ago, following a meticulous investigation that led officers to Mombasa.

In a statement posted on its X account on Sunday, February 8, 2026, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the vehicles were recovered, fitted with counterfeit registration plates in an attempt to evade detection.

“Detectives from the Operation Support Unit (OSU) have recovered two Isuzu lorries that were stolen in Murang’a County,” DCI stated.

Brazen August theft

According to DCI, a lorry with registration number KDQ 845T and another one with registration number KDL 078W were stolen in a brazen theft in Gatanga on August 16, 2025.

“The vehicles in question, an Isuzu FVZ with registration number KDQ 845T and an Isuzu FRR with registration number KDL 078W, were taken in a brazen theft in Gatanga on August 16, 2025,” the statement read.

Following the theft, detectives launched an investigation that eventually led to the arrest of five individuals identified as the masterminds behind the heist.

“Following the theft, a meticulous investigation was set in motion, and through intelligence leads, five suspects: Peter Njuguna Gitau, Mark Kinyua, Erick Chege, David Kigo, and Joseph Ndung’u Waweru, the masterminds behind this daring heist, were arrested,” DCI stated.

Vehicles fitted with fake plates

According to the DCI, upon interrogation, the individuals led detectives to Mombasa County, where the stolen lorries had been hidden.

The lorries were recovered in Makupa, Mombasa, both fitted with counterfeit registration plates in what DCI described as a desperate attempt to evade the long arm of the law.

“The Isuzu FVZ (KDQ 845T) had been fitted with a counterfeit registration plate, KDV 449C, while the Isuzu FRR (KDL 078W) was fitted with a fake plate, KCA 505D,” the statement revealed.

DCI stated that the recovered lorries are now safely in the custody of DCI Gatanga, with plans underway to return them to their rightful owners.

“With the lorries now recovered and safely in the hands of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Gatanga, plans are underway to return them to their rightful owners, restoring hope and justice to those affected by this crime,” DCI said.

“Meanwhile, the apprehended suspects remain in custody, undergoing processing pending arraignment,” the statement added.