An intelligence-led police operation has led to the arrest of two men suspected of being part of an organised motorcycle-riding gang behind a series of mobile phone snatching incidents in Nairobi's Kasarani Sub-County, with officers recovering five mobile phones believed to have been stolen from victims.
The National Police Service (NPS) said the suspects were arrested on Wednesday during a coordinated operation conducted by officers from Kasarani Police Station and Githurai 44 Police Post. The operation targeted people linked to repeated phone theft cases reported along Kamiti Road and nearby areas.
According to the NPS, the arrests followed intelligence reports and information shared by members of the public, allowing officers to track and intercept the suspects before carrying out a search.
Police said the two men are believed to be members of a wider criminal network that uses motorcycles to snatch mobile phones from unsuspecting members of the public before escaping from the scene.
The suspects were intercepted in the Kamiti Road and Naivas areas within Kasarani Sub-County during the operation.
In a statement, the NPS said the arrests were the result of a joint effort by officers from the two police units.
"Police officers from Kasarani Police Station and Githurai 44 Police Post, arrested two suspected phone snatchers. They are believed to be part of an organised syndicate operating on motorcycles within Nairobi."
Police said intelligence gathering and cooperation from members of the public played a key role in the operation.
"Acting on intelligence and public tip-offs, officers intercepted the duo in the Kamiti Road and Naivas areas within Kasarani Sub-County."
A search conducted after the arrests led to the recovery of five assorted mobile phones believed to have been stolen during previous incidents.
"A thorough search of the suspects led to the recovery of five assorted mobile phones. The suspects have been placed in police custody pending arraignment in court, and the recovered handsets have been secured as exhibits."
The suspects are being held in police custody as they await arraignment in court, while investigators continue with inquiries to establish the ownership of the recovered mobile phones and determine the full extent of the activities of the suspected criminal network.
The arrests are part of ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to dismantle organised criminal gangs involved in street crime and robbery in Nairobi and other urban areas.
The National Police Service reaffirmed its commitment to pursuing criminal syndicates across the country and urged members of the public to continue working closely with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities.
"The National Police Service remains committed to dismantling criminal networks across the country, and members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious activity to the nearest police station. Alternatively, they may use the toll-free emergency numbers 999 or 911, the #FichuaKwaDCI line on 0800 722 203, or WhatsApp on 0709 570 000."
Police said information provided by members of the public remains vital in preventing crime, tracking down suspects and strengthening security operations aimed at disrupting organised criminal activities.