By Andrew Kariuki
Detectives from Nairobi Central Sub-County have arrested two suspects and recovered more than 900 stolen mobile phones in an operation targeting an alleged cross-border phone theft syndicate operating in the city.
The arrests followed an intelligence-led operation carried out along Charles Rubia Street near the Buscar bus stage in Nairobi’s Central Business District.
During the operation, detectives intercepted two packages that were being prepared for transportation to Uganda.
Upon inspection, officers recovered approximately 900 assorted mobile phones believed to have been stolen.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are linked to a wider network involved in stealing mobile phones from members of the public and retail outlets before trafficking the devices to neighbouring countries.
The two suspects, identified as Brian Yomasia and Stephen Okwachi Shisia, were unable to give a satisfactory explanation for possession of the phones.
They were arrested and escorted, together with the recovered devices, to Nairobi Central Police Station, where they are being held pending processing and arraignment.
Police say investigations are ongoing to establish the full scope of the syndicate and to trace additional suspects involved in the alleged operation.
The recovery comes days after another operation conducted on January 24, 2026, in which detectives recovered over 150 stolen mobile phones in Nairobi.
Authorities say operations targeting mobile phone theft and trafficking networks will continue as part of ongoing efforts to curb the crime.
