In a significant breakthrough, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have apprehended 10 suspects believed to be the masterminds behind a series of break-ins that have plagued Nairobi and its surrounding areas. These arrests mark a major step forward in curbing the recent wave of industrial thefts that have resulted in substantial financial losses for various businesses.
The suspects, aged between 36 and 50, have been identified as Paul Njoroge Muthoni, Job Onsomu Onkundi, Erick Irungu Karanja, Daniel Opiyo Oketch, James Maina Githua, Joseph Maina Wambugu, Patrick Karani, Peter Karangi, Peter Karanja Kanyoro, and Mathew Riunge Karinge. These individuals are believed to have played pivotal roles in orchestrating and executing a series of high-profile break-ins, primarily targeting go-downs and warehouses storing valuable goods such as hardware items, steel products, lubricants, and motor vehicle spare parts.
The arrests were made during a meticulously coordinated operation led by detectives from the DCI’s Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) Nairobi area, in collaboration with DCI Kasarani. The operation was the culmination of weeks of intelligence gathering, surveillance, and careful planning. The suspects were located and apprehended in various hideouts across Nairobi and nearby areas, where they had been attempting to evade capture.
Upon arrest, the suspects underwent initial interrogations, during which they provided crucial information that led detectives to the recovery of stolen goods. Acting on this intelligence, the DCI team conducted a follow-up operation in Juja, specifically at Faith Estate, Riverside Court in Murera. It was here that the detectives made a significant discovery 463 cartons of lubricants that had been stolen from a go-down at Thika Industrial Park. The recovery of these goods is seen as a major victory for law enforcement, as it not only returns valuable property to its rightful owners but also provides concrete evidence to support the prosecution of the suspects.
In addition to the recovery of stolen goods, detectives also seized four motor vehicles believed to have been used in the commission of the go-down break-ins. The vehicles are currently being held as part of the ongoing investigation, with forensic experts from the DCI set to conduct thorough examinations to uncover any additional evidence that may link the suspects to the crimes.
The DCI has also revealed that the suspects are linked to several other high-profile break-ins that have occurred over the past few months. One of the most notable incidents took place in April 2024, when the group allegedly broke into two go-downs at Syzo International premises in Mwiki. During this heist, the gang reportedly made off with a variety of hardware items and laptops, further cementing their reputation as a highly organized and dangerous criminal enterprise.
Another alarming incident attributed to the gang occurred on July 26, 2024, at Patnet Steelmakers in Kamulu. According to police reports, the suspects scaled the walls of the facility, subdued the security guards on duty, and tragically killed a night shift worker. The gang then proceeded to steal tonnes of nails and barbed wires, leaving the business with significant losses and a traumatized workforce.
The success of these recent arrests highlights the DCI’s commitment to tackling organized crime and protecting businesses from the devastating impact of such criminal activities. In a statement, the DCI emphasized its resolve to remain proactive and professional in investigating crimes, protecting life and property, apprehending offenders, and supporting their prosecution.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations reiterates its resolve to remain proactive and professional in investigating crimes, protecting life and property, apprehending offenders, and supporting their prosecution,” the DCI stated.
The arrests and subsequent recovery of stolen goods have provided a sense of relief to business owners and the general public, who have been living in fear of further break-ins. However, the DCI has cautioned that the fight against organized crime is far from over. The agency is continuing its investigations to identify and apprehend any additional members of the gang who may still be at large, as well as to uncover the full extent of the criminal network’s operations.
As the legal process unfolds, the DCI’s efforts in this case serve as a reminder of the importance of law enforcement in maintaining security and upholding the rule of law. The successful apprehension of these suspects and the recovery of stolen goods underscore the critical role that intelligence-led policing plays in combating organized crime and ensuring justice for victims.
