DCI Arrests Two Suspects With 900+ Stolen Phones Headed for Uganda
Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested two suspects in Nairobi after intercepting a large consignment of stolen mobile phones destined for Uganda.
The operation took place along Charles Rubia Street, near the busy Buscar bus stage in the heart of Nairobi’s Central Business District. Acting on reliable intelligence, detectives carried out a carefully planned sting and seized two packages containing over 900 stolen phones.
Suspects Identified and Arrested
The suspects, named Brian Yomasia and Stephen Okwachi Shisia, were apprehended on the spot. They could not provide a valid explanation for possessing the large quantity of devices. The phones and suspects were immediately taken to Nairobi Central Police Station, where they are being processed ahead of court appearance.
According to DCI, the duo is linked to a wider phone theft syndicate that steals mobile phones from members of the public in Kenya and smuggles them to neighboring countries, particularly Uganda, for resale.
Connection to Recent Crackdown on Phone Theft Ring
This arrest comes just two days after a separate DCI operation on January 24, 2026, where seven suspects—including a Ugandan national—were detained in Nairobi. That raid recovered 150 stolen mobile phones, 16 tablets, and six laptops.
In that earlier case, authorities identified the Ugandan suspect as a key connector between Kenyan handlers and buyers across the border. Additional recoveries from a related premises included 75 mobile phones in sealed boxes and two laptops.
Investigators noted that many recovered devices had been tampered with—through flashing, factory resets, or dismantling for spare parts sales—making recovery and tracing more challenging. However, some owners have already come forward to record statements after their phones were traced.
DCI’s Ongoing Fight Against Mobile Phone Theft
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations emphasized its commitment to dismantling these cross-border syndicates through intelligence-driven operations nationwide.
The public is encouraged to report phone theft incidents promptly via the toll-free hotline 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp at 0709 570 000.
DCI remains vigilant in cracking down on mobile phone theft and related crimes to protect citizens and disrupt illicit networks.
Also Read: KUCCPS Placement Portal to Open in March for 2025 KCSE Candidates
DCI Arrests Two Suspects With 900+ Stolen Phones Headed for Uganda