Detectives in Kilimani, Nairobi, have arrested a woman believed to be a notorious ‘mchele babe’ a local term for individuals who stupefy victims to rob them. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced the arrest of Consolata Nyangai on Sunday after an extensive investigation initiated on November 9.
The probe began when a Chadian national reported losing cash and valuables to a woman he had spent the night with after visiting popular entertainment spots in Nairobi. According to the DCI, the foreigner had patronized Gemini and Quiver’s clubs before returning to his residence at Spring Gardens Apartments in the company of Nyangai.
The Incident
The victim reported being stupefied, likely with a drug-laced substance, before Nyangai allegedly made away with his possessions. The stolen items included $4,000 (approximately Ksh 519,000), Ksh 10,000 in cash, a Samsung S20 smartphone, and a Corn C105 phone.
Following the incident, a detailed investigation was launched, which led detectives to the Hunters area in Kasarani. It was here that they apprehended Nyangai and recovered the stolen phones. The devices were positively identified by the victim, solidifying the case against the suspect.
Lavish Purchases Raise Eyebrows
During the operation, detectives also uncovered lavish purchases made shortly after the robbery. Among the recovered items were a newly acquired 75-inch Samsung TV worth Ksh 107,000 and a Ramtons cooker valued at Ksh 55,000. Receipts found at the suspect’s residence confirmed that the purchases were made post-incident, leading investigators to suspect the items were procured using proceeds of the crime.
Additionally, detectives found two national identity cards bearing Nyangai’s photographs but under different names. One ID was Kenyan, while the other was Ugandan, raising further questions about the suspect’s true identity.
Suspect to Face Charges
Nyangai has been detained at the Kilimani Police Station and is scheduled to appear in court on Monday, November 18. She will face charges related to robbery and stupefying her victim, which is a criminal offense under Kenyan law.
Widening the Investigation
The DCI has indicated that investigations are ongoing to verify Nyangai’s real identity. The discovery of mismatched identification documents has raised concerns about her possible involvement in other crimes, as well as the extent of her operations within Nairobi’s nightlife scene.
The arrest sheds light on the growing problem of stupefying incidents in Nairobi’s entertainment industry. Revelers, especially foreigners, are often targeted by individuals who employ deceitful methods to incapacitate and rob their victims. The DCI continues to urge the public to exercise caution while interacting with strangers in social settings.
Broader Implications
This case underscores the need for vigilance among Nairobi’s revelers, particularly in popular entertainment hubs. While local authorities have heightened their surveillance efforts, the public also bears the responsibility of safeguarding themselves from potential predators.
The arrest of Nyangai and the recovery of stolen items mark a significant step in addressing this criminal trend. However, the use of multiple identities by the suspect highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in tracking and apprehending such individuals.
As Nyangai awaits her day in court, the case serves as a cautionary tale for revelers in Nairobi and beyond, reinforcing the importance of discretion and safety during social interactions.
