NAIROBI, Kenya – A police sting in the heart of Nairobi’s CBD has led to the arrest of three suspects and the recovery of 75 stolen mobile phones, in a fresh crackdown on the city’s growing phone theft racket.
The operation, carried out on June 13 along Tsavo Street, also netted seven computers, 20 UFI gadgets, and—curiously—a microscope. Police say the trio is currently in custody as investigations continue to unravel the syndicate believed to be behind a wave of thefts targeting pedestrians and matatu passengers in the CBD.
The National Police Service (NPS) has since issued a stern warning to the public against purchasing electronic devices from unauthorized dealers, saying such habits fuel an already booming black market for stolen goods.
This comes amid a concerning spike in petty and violent theft across Nairobi, particularly in areas like River Road, Ronald Ngala, Luthuli Avenue, and parts of Tom Mboya Street. Commuters have reported being trailed, bumped, and distracted before realizing their phones are gone. In many cases, the gadgets disappear into a network of rogue shops that wipe them clean and put them back on the market within hours.
Legal Consequences? Not Minor.
Under Kenyan law, handling stolen property is a serious criminal offense that could land offenders in jail for up to 14 years under the Penal Code. Even unsuspecting buyers can face charges if found in possession of stolen items without proper documentation—especially phones registered to other users.
Security experts say while law enforcement continues to sweep hotspots, the ecosystem of phone theft is layered and organized—making it harder to dismantle completely. Some suspects act as muggers, others specialize in wiping data and flashing IMEIs, and some own “repair” shops that double up as black-market tech bazaars.
Bigger Picture: More Than Just a Phone
At the center of this crisis is a city grappling with joblessness and rising living costs. For many young Kenyans, snatching phones is seen as quick cash. But the ripple effects are huge: identity theft, blackmail, wiped memories, and a shaken sense of public safety.
For now, the message from NPS is simple: stop feeding the beast. If it’s cheap, unboxed, and comes with a nervous smile—walk away.
