NAIROBI, Kenya – The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has warned Kenyans about suspected “mchele babes” after detectives reported an alleged attempt to drug a football fan at a local club during weekend matches.
In a social media post published on Monday, October 12, 2026, the agency narrated how two women allegedly distracted a patron identified as Brayo with football banter before one of them tampered with his drink.
The DCI said Brayo had been buying drinks as he followed the matches on television when the two women, identified as Sharon and Chantelle, allegedly engaged him in a discussion about an offside decision.
The agency described the alleged tactic using football commentary, saying: “One held the midfield with offside talk. The other sent the through ball straight into the glass.”
According to the account, one woman kept Brayo occupied while the other allegedly spiked his drink. Chantelle reportedly whispered, “Hii imeenda,” after the alleged act.
Brayo then drank from the glass and collapsed shortly afterwards, the DCI said.
The women allegedly tried to move him towards the exit while pretending to be familiar with him. A club supervisor reportedly blocked their path and alerted other patrons, prompting an intervention.
The DCI said officers arrived at the scene and took the two suspects into custody. The agency’s account did not establish their guilt, and the allegations remain subject to the legal process.
The agency used the incident to caution people enjoying themselves at entertainment venues, particularly those who may become distracted while watching football or socialising with strangers.
“Watch the game, but watch your drink more,” the DCI warned.
“Mchele babes” is a popular Kenyan term for people suspected of using drugs or other substances to incapacitate victims before stealing their valuables. The practice is also commonly referred to as “mchele” or “pishori”.
The alleged offences can involve stealing phones, cash, watches and vehicle keys. In some reported cases, victims have also lost money through unauthorised access to their financial accounts.
The October 12 post followed a separate warning the DCI issued on October 5 about vehicle theft schemes targeting motorists.
In that advisory, the agency listed “mchele babes”, date bait, car-hire scams, fake buyers, fake importers, fake passengers, bogus business deals and social media meet-ups among the tactics allegedly used to gain victims’ trust.
The DCI also warned about staged accidents, fake breakdowns, parking-side interference, distraction traps, fake tow operators, vehicle tampering and keyless or relay theft.
The agency said criminal tactics continued to evolve, even as suspects pursued the same objective.
“The intention remains the same: Get close. Gain your trust. Take your car,” the DCI said in the advisory.
The DCI also referenced short-stay accommodation in its account of vehicle theft, urging motorists to remain alert when parking and when meeting people they do not know well.
The October 5 advisory covered a broader range of alleged vehicle theft methods, while the October 12 post focused on the reported drink-spiking attempt at a club. The agency did not confirm that every tactic in the earlier advisory formed part of the latest incident.
The DCI encourages members of the public to share information about suspected criminal activity through its reporting channels.
Kenyans can contact the agency’s Fichua Kwa DCI hotline on 0800 722 203 or send information through WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.
