Detectives from the National Police Service (NPS) on Friday arrested Nancy Kigunzu, widely known as ‘Mathee wa Ngara,’ a notorious figure in Kenya’s illicit drug trade. Kigunzu, alongside two accomplices, was apprehended in Juja, Kiambu County, following a meticulous operation led by the Transnational Organized Crime Unit.
The operation, which culminated in the arrest, also resulted in the seizure of seven gunny bags of bhang, weighing approximately 300 kilograms, along with various processed bhang products, including bhang sticks. This substantial haul underscores the scale of the drug trafficking operations linked to Kigunzu, who has long been a target for law enforcement agencies.
The Arrest Operation
The arrest unfolded after law enforcement received intelligence about an impending drug delivery. Christopher Odipo Ochieng and David Ochieng Okoth, both from Homabay, were reportedly en route to deliver five gunny bags of bhang to Kigunzu when they were intercepted by detectives. Upon realizing that they were being trailed, Kigunzu attempted to evade arrest, fleeing the scene and seeking refuge at Georgina Apartments in Nairobi.
However, the law eventually caught up with her. The detectives, in a coordinated effort, tracked Kigunzu to the apartment complex, where she was apprehended. The arrest marks a significant victory for the police in their ongoing efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks within the country.
Seizure of Proceeds of Crime
Following Kigunzu’s arrest, a thorough search of the premises led to the discovery of more incriminating evidence. Detectives recovered assorted bhang products and documents believed to be related to her drug trafficking activities, including records of money laundering operations. Among the items seized were title deeds, vehicle logbooks, and assorted currencies, including Ksh. 100,000 in cash, all of which are suspected to be proceeds from her illegal trade.
The operation also led to the impounding of three motor vehicles. These vehicles, according to the police, are believed to have been acquired through the proceeds of crime, further highlighting the extensive nature of Kigunzu’s criminal enterprise.
Implications and Legal Proceedings
The arrest of ‘Mathee wa Ngara’ and her accomplices is a major milestone in the fight against drug trafficking in Kenya. Kigunzu has been a prominent figure in Nairobi’s drug trade, and her apprehension is expected to deal a significant blow to the operations of drug networks in the region.
The three suspects are currently being held at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters in Nairobi. They are expected to be arraigned in court on Monday, where they will face charges related to drug trafficking, money laundering, and possession of proceeds of crime. The outcome of the court proceedings will be closely watched, given the high-profile nature of the case and its implications for the wider war on drugs in Kenya.
Conclusion
The arrest of Nancy Kigunzu, alias ‘Mathee wa Ngara,’ represents a critical step in curbing the menace of drug trafficking in Kenya. The successful operation by the Transnational Organized Crime Unit not only disrupted a major drug supply chain but also sent a strong message to other individuals involved in similar illegal activities. As the case proceeds to court, it is anticipated that it will set a precedent for the prosecution of drug-related crimes in the country, reinforcing the government’s commitment to eradicating the drug trade and its associated criminal activities.
