The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched a major crackdown on motor vehicle theft syndicates following a sharp increase in cases across Kenya since the start of 2024.
According to the DCI, the alarming rise in vehicle theft has not only caused significant financial losses to car owners but also strained the economy through heightened insurance claims and defaulted car loans. Criminals have employed a range of tactics including theft from parking lots, violent carjackings, car hire scams, and robberies.
In response, the DCI’s Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), in collaboration with the Operations Action Team (OAT) from DCI Headquarters, conducted targeted operations in high-risk counties such as Nairobi, Kiambu, Machakos, Kisumu, Busia, Kakamega, Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Embu, Kajiado, and Bungoma.
The coordinated sting operations led to the arrest of 28 suspects and the recovery of 22 stolen vehicles, some of which had been resold to unsuspecting buyers locally, while others were intercepted en route to neighboring countries, especially Uganda and Tanzania.
All the suspects have since been arraigned in various courts to face charges ranging from motor vehicle theft to fraud and related offenses.
To help curb the trend, the DCI is urging Kenyans to enhance personal and vehicle safety by installing anti-theft devices, parking in secure areas, verifying the identity of car hire clients, and checking the authenticity of vehicle documents before purchase.
“We have intensified intelligence gathering and cross-border collaborations to disrupt these syndicates and protect innocent citizens,” said a DCI spokesperson.
The National Police Service has also encouraged the public to support ongoing efforts by reporting suspicious activity through the nearest police station or using the toll-free numbers 999, 112, or the DCI anonymous tip line #FichuaKwaDCI (0800 722 203).
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