Police in Thika arrested a 26-year-old man suspected of being involved in a series of phone-snatching incidents and recovered a motorcycle allegedly used in the crimes.
The suspect, identified as John Mwangi alias Ngicha, also known as John Mwangi Wanjiku, was arrested on Wednesday, September 23, 2026, during a joint operation by detectives and General Duty officers in the Kiandutu area of Thika Town.
The operation targeted wanted persons and other criminal activities in the area.
Police said Mwangi, a resident of Athena area, was found in possession of a red Boxer motorcycle suspected to have been used in phone-snatching offences.
The motorcycle is also suspected to have been stolen and was recovered for further investigations.
During the operation, officers also recovered assorted military camouflage combat uniforms from business premises within the area.
According to police, the uniforms are suspected to have been used by robbers during the commission of criminal activities.
The occupant of the premises reportedly fled after noticing the presence of security officers and had not been traced by the time of the report.
The recovered uniforms have been secured as exhibits as investigations continue.
Mwangi was scheduled to appear before the Thika Law Courts on September 24, 2026, where he is expected to face robbery with violence charges.
Police said he was also wanted in connection with another pending case before the Thika Law Courts, for which a warrant of arrest had been issued.
The suspect remained in custody with a bandage on his left arm pending his arraignment.
Cases of mobile phone snatching have been on the rise in major urban areas amid police operations to contain the crime.
Police say some of the stolen gadgets are refurbished and sold to unsuspecting buyers locally while others are shipped to neighbouring countries where they are sold.
Dozens of suspects have been arrested in operations that were mounted in several areas and are facing charges in courts.
Police discourage people from buying such gadgets and advise one to demand official receipts if she or he buys the same.
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