Detectives from the Nairobi Region Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau have arrested the man they say orchestrated the theft of thousands of euros from a visiting tourist in a scheme that began at the Maasai Mara Game Park.
According to police, the suspect, identified as Kenas Okello Oyugi, targeted a Greek national who had arrived in Nairobi on 5 August.
The following day, the visitor embarked on a trip to the world-famous Maasai Mara in the company of his tour guide and an acquaintance he had met online.
The man, who introduced himself as “Jeremiah John”, joined them for the journey.
While at the park, “Jeremiah” disappeared, taking with him three debit cards, a mobile phone and a Seiko Crystal wristwatch belonging to the tourist.
Authorities say that soon afterwards, withdrawals totalling €25,000 were made from the victim’s bank account.
An investigation was launched, and forensic analysis revealed that “Jeremiah John” was an alias. Detectives traced the suspect to a hideout, where they moved in to make the arrest.
Police said they recovered several mobile phones, the stolen wristwatch, 54,050 Kenyan shillings in cash, and an undisclosed sum in US dollars.
Also seized was a brand-new tour trek bicycle, believed to have been purchased using the stolen funds.
Oyugi is currently being held at Central Police Station in Nairobi, where he is undergoing processing ahead of his expected arraignment.
Authorities have urged visitors to exercise caution when dealing with strangers during travel, even in popular destinations, noting that organised scams targeting tourists can involve well-planned deception.
The arrest, they added, highlights the role of forensic and intelligence-led policing in combating crimes against foreign visitors.
Police have not ruled out the possibility of further arrests as the investigation continues.
