A theft at a church in Nairobi’s Donholm estate has drawn attention to a suspected network targeting expensive electronic equipment used by churches for live broadcasts and online services.
The incident happened before sunrise on Sunday, August 2, 2026, when a man entered the church compound and left about 11 minutes later carrying equipment valued at more than Sh2.1 million. CCTV footage obtained during an investigation by Standard and KTN shows the man, identified as David Simiyu, arriving at the church at about 5:43 a.m.
Simiyu was dressed in a dark cap, blue jeans and a heavy black jacket as he moved into the compound. At the time, church services had not started, although some early ushers were already around the premises. He is seen moving towards the media office before retrieving a hidden key.
The footage shows him using the key to access the storage area where the church kept its broadcasting equipment. He then packed five professional cameras and an audio interface card into a dark backpack before leaving the compound at about 5:54 a.m.
The investigation by Standard and KTN indicates that the Donholm incident could be part of a wider pattern involving the theft of expensive electronic equipment from churches across Nairobi. Cameras, sound cards, mixers and other equipment used for online broadcasts are said to be among the main targets.
According to the investigation, CCTV footage later captured Simiyu taking the equipment to a residential compound in Parklands.
The premises belong to Ashish Sha, an Indian national involved in the second-hand electronics business and the installation of LED screens in churches in Kenya and other countries.
Church members whose equipment had previously gone missing later visited the Parklands premises while posing as customers. During the visit, they spotted a sound card and checked its serial number against their church records.
The number matched the equipment that had been reported stolen, strengthening suspicions that stolen church equipment was being taken to the compound.
Investigators cited in the report say Sha is linked to a group of people referred to as “spanner boys”.
The individuals are accused of stealing electronic equipment before delivering it to him for resale. CCTV footage from the Parklands compound and several churches reportedly shows the movement of equipment worth millions of shillings.
The name of Sha had also appeared in an earlier case involving entertainer DJ Macdee. A Pioneer DJ mixer valued at Sh350,000 was stolen from the entertainer’s vehicle in broad daylight. The equipment was later advertised online and was eventually recovered from the Parklands premises.
The incident led to Sha appearing before the Thika High Court. He was released on bond while the case remained active.
The theft of church equipment has also affected how congregations conduct their services. Many churches depend on cameras, sound systems and other equipment to broadcast services to members who cannot attend physically. Some of those watching online include elderly members and people living far from Nairobi.
Churches affected by the thefts have started taking additional security measures. Some have installed stronger locks, additional CCTV cameras and motion sensors, while others have chosen to remove expensive equipment from their premises after services.
The investigation, led by crime journalist Lenox Sengre, relied on CCTV footage, undercover observations and court records. The findings point to a pattern in which suspects appear to study church routines before entering at quiet hours and taking the equipment within a short period.
The Donholm incident, where equipment worth more than Sh2.1 million was taken in just 11 minutes using a key, has become one of the cases being examined as authorities follow the trail of the stolen equipment.
Police and intelligence officers are continuing to examine the available footage and trace equipment believed to have been stolen from churches.
