The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has arrested seven suspects and recovered 150 mobile phones, 16 tablets, and six laptops in a major crackdown on a phone theft and black-market network operating in Nairobi.

In a statement posted on its official X account on Saturday, January 24, 2026, the DCI revealed that a multi-agency team led by the Operation Support Unit (OSU) mounted an intelligence-led operation across various parts of the city following public outcry over increased phone snatching cases.

“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 operation in various parts of the city,” the DCI stated.

Theft syndicate

Among those arrested was a Ugandan national apprehended in Shauri Moyo, where detectives recovered 75 mobile phones packed in sealed boxes and two laptops from her residence.

According to DCI, the individual acts as the link between receivers in Kenya and buyers in Uganda, working closely with several accomplices, among them Kalyowo Sam, who was also arrested in Shauri Moyo.

Further arrests were made in the city centre, where detectives recovered 16 tablets and 19 mobile phones from the premises.

“James Mwangi Gachoka was arrested at his shop at Tusker House along Ronald Ngala Street,” the statement read.

DCI revealed that at Kangemi Bus Station, a loader was facilitating the movement of the stolen devices through selected drivers.

In Ngumba Estate, the investigators nabbed another individual with two phones and two laptops, while additional phone components were recovered from her shop, along Tom Mboya Street.

“In Thome Estate, Kelvin Kuria Wanjeri was arrested after 46 assorted mobile phones were recovered from his residence. Meanwhile, Mike Ngugi Mwaura was arrested at a garage along Chogoria Road in the Industrial Area, where detectives recovered eight mobile phones and a laptop from his motor vehicle,” DCI added.

Tampering with devices

The DCI noted that several recovered phones had their operating systems interfered with through flashing or factory resets, while others were dismantled and sold as spare parts.

“Notably, several recovered phones had their operating systems interfered with through flashing or factory resets, while others were dismantled and sold as spare parts,” the statement read.

Detectives stated that they have already traced one rightful owner, whose phone was stolen while she was serving customers at Dagoretti market.

“She has since positively identified her device and recorded a statement,” DCI said.

The DCI emphasised its commitment to dismantling black-market networks and curbing phone snatching across Kenyan towns.

“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) remains steadfast in its commitment to dismantling black-market networks and curbing phone snatching and related crimes across Kenyan towns,” the agency concluded.