Police officers from Migosi and Kasagam Police Stations have dismantled a suspected motor vehicle theft syndicate operating within Kisumu East Sub-county.
The
intelligence-led operation, conducted on October 7, 2025, at Khayeko Junction
and Aliwa Village, led to the recovery of several vehicles believed to have
been stolen.
According to
police, the operation also netted car radios, vehicle registration plates, and
assorted spare parts during a search of one of the targeted homesteads.
Two suspects
were arrested during the raid, while a third suspect remains at large. Police
said the arrested individuals are assisting with investigations as efforts
continue to apprehend the remaining suspect.
“All
recovered exhibits have been secured at Migosi Police Station, where
verification of ownership is ongoing,” police said in a statement.
The National
Police Service (NPS) commended the officers for their vigilance and
professionalism, reiterating its commitment to fighting organized vehicle
theft.
This
operation comes against the backdrop of a surge in motor vehicle theft cases
across Kenya, according to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
DCI boss
Mohamed Amin recently confirmed that the rising cases have caused significant
financial losses for vehicle owners, while also straining the economy through
increased insurance claims and non-performing loans.
Criminal
gangs have been employing multiple tactics, including theft from parking lots,
car hire fraud, robbery with violence, and carjacking.
To respond
to the trend, the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), in
collaboration with the DCI Headquarters’ Operations Action Team (OAT), launched
a nationwide crackdown in high-risk counties such as Kisumu, Nairobi, Kiambu,
Kakamega, and Bungoma.
“Collaborating
with the Operations Action Team, our officers arrested 28 suspects and
recovered 22 stolen vehicles,” Amin said.
“Many of these vehicles had already been sold
to unsuspecting buyers or smuggled into Uganda and Tanzania.”
The suspects
have since been arraigned in courts across the country to face charges linked
to vehicle theft and fraud.
To curb
further cases, Amin urged motorists to install reliable anti-theft devices,
park in secure areas, and verify vehicle documents and car hire credentials
before transacting.
He added
that the NPS is enhancing intelligence efforts and strengthening regional
partnerships to stop cross-border trafficking of stolen vehicles.
“We call on
the public to collaborate with us in preventing crime and recovering stolen
vehicles,” Amin said.
The NPS also encouraged Kenyans to report suspicious activities through toll-free hotlines 999, 911, or 112, or anonymously via #FichuaKwaDCI on 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp 0709 570 000.
