Seven suspects were arrested and more than 150 stolen electronic gadgets recovered following an intelligence-led operation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Nairobi.
The operation, conducted on January 23, 2026, targeted receivers of stolen mobile phones, technicians involved in illegal refurbishment and flashing of devices, and Public Service Vehicle (PSV) operators facilitating the transportation of the gadgets to neighbouring countries, mainly Uganda.
According to the DCI’s Operation Support Unit, the syndicate provides a lucrative black market for stolen electronic devices, with payments made upon delivery across the border.
During the operation, detectives recovered 150 assorted mobile phones, 16 tablets, and six laptops.
DCI Director Mohamed Amin said some of the recovered phones had their operating systems tampered with through flashing and factory resets, while others still contained details of their original owners.
“Some gadgets are dismantled and sold as spare parts, making it difficult to trace them despite ongoing investigations into reported theft cases,” Amin said.
The suspects arrested are Nambajwe Zaina, also known as Aisha Nalubanga or Zainab, an Ugandan national, was arrested in Shauri Moyo.
A search at her residence led to the recovery of 75 assorted mobile phones packed in three boxes sealed with yellow tape and two laptops. Police say she is the key link between receivers in Kenya and buyers in Uganda.
Kalyowo Sam, also an Ugandan national, was arrested in Shauri Moyo as an accomplice of Nambajwe while James Mwangi Gachoka was arrested at his shop in Tusker House along Ronald Ngala Street, where detectives recovered 16 tablets and 19 mobile phones.
He allegedly coordinated transport of the gadgets to Uganda through PSV drivers.
Samuel Sifuna Simiyu, a loader at Starways Express, was arrested for allegedly facilitating transportation of the stolen phones by ensuring they were loaded onto vehicles driven by specific drivers linked to the syndicate, police said.
Abonyo Adhiambo Mourine was arrested in Ngumba Estate in possession of two mobile phones and two laptops. Police describe her as a notorious receiver of stolen phones, which were later forwarded to Nambajwe. A further search at her shop, Jamki Accessories at Dominion House along Tom Mboya Street, led to the recovery of 21 assorted phone components and casings.
Police said Kelvin Kuria Wanjero was arrested at his residence in Thome Estate, where 46 assorted mobile phones were recovered while Mike Ngugi Mwaura was arrested at a garage along Chogoria Road in Nairobi’s Industrial Area while in possession of eight mobile phones and one laptop.
The suspects are expected to be arraigned in court as investigations continue into the wider cross-border theft and trafficking network.
Cases where mobile phones are stolen on the streets have been rampant with no or little recoveries. Most of the gadgets are snatched by suspects on motorcycles.
Some of the unlucky suspects are caught up and lynched by mobs in the disturbing trend.
Police say they are investigating the incidents.
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