The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has categorically refuted viral social media claims suggesting that two suspects were arrested for allegedly breaking into the State House in Mombasa and sleeping in President William Ruto’s bed. In a statement released on November 18, 2024, the investigative body clarified that the reports circulating online were false and misleading.
According to the DCI, the suspects in question Julius Muthomi, 20, and Pius Kang’ethe Maina, 29 were arrested on November 11, 2024, for handling suspected stolen property. The arrests were made by officers from the Central Police Station, Mombasa, following credible intelligence from members of the public.
The Truth Behind the Arrests
Contrary to the dramatic allegations of a State House break-in, the DCI explained that the suspects were apprehended during an operation in Mombasa’s Central Business District (CBD). The operation took place at the Rio Building along Digo Road, where law enforcement officers uncovered stolen items including 51 mobile phones, multiple laptops, and other valuables worth over Sh1.2 million.
“These claims of suspects breaking into the State House to ‘test the comfort of a president’s bed’ are nothing more than fake news. The two individuals were arrested for handling stolen property,” the DCI’s statement emphasized.
The suspects, together with the recovered items, were escorted to the police station for further investigation and legal processing.
How the Arrests Unfolded
The arrests were the result of a public tip-off. Local residents had reported suspicious activity linked to stolen goods at the Rio Building, a busy commercial hub in Mombasa’s CBD. Acting on this information, officers from the Central Police Station launched a swift operation to apprehend the suspects.
In the raid, authorities discovered a cache of stolen electronics, which were immediately seized. The recovered items included a variety of high-value electronic devices, likely stolen from various victims across the region.
“The operation was conducted professionally, and both suspects are currently in custody. Legal action is underway to ensure they are held accountable for their crimes,” the DCI stated.
Misinformation on Social Media
The dramatic and false narrative about the suspects allegedly breaking into the State House in Mombasa spread quickly on social media platforms, raising public concern. Some posts went as far as claiming that the duo accessed the presidential bedroom through an open window, an assertion the DCI firmly debunked.
“This incident is a reminder of the dangers of misinformation. Social media users should verify facts before sharing unconfirmed stories that could cause unnecessary alarm,” the statement warned.
A Broader Warning Against Crime
The DCI used the opportunity to underscore the importance of public cooperation in combating crime. They commended the members of the public whose vigilance led to the arrests and recovery of stolen items. The incident also highlighted the critical role law enforcement agencies play in ensuring security and upholding the rule of law.
The two suspects are set to face charges in court, where they will answer for their involvement in handling stolen property. Meanwhile, investigations continue to establish the origin of the stolen items and identify potential accomplices in the thefts.
Conclusion
The viral claims of a State House break-in in Mombasa have been unequivocally dismissed as false by the DCI. This incident underscores the importance of distinguishing between verified facts and baseless rumors in the age of social media. As the suspects await legal proceedings, the public is reminded to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities.