A man aged 32 was taken into custody in Nyeri County on Friday, September 19, after police discovered a large number of electronic devices suspected to have been stolen.
The man was found in possession of 292 used mobile phones and four laptops during an operation carried out by officers based in Nyeri.
The arrest followed intelligence reports that led police to a shop in Nyeri Township, which was believed to be a hub for trading in stolen and snatched items.
According to the National Police Service, the officers, led by the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), conducted a search at the premises after receiving credible information. The raid resulted in the recovery of the devices, which the suspect could not account for when asked by the officers.
His inability to provide a reasonable explanation raised suspicion, leading to his immediate arrest. He was taken to Nyeri Police Station, where he was booked and placed in custody to allow for further investigations.
The police revealed that an inventory of all the recovered phones and laptops has already been compiled. They also confirmed that steps are being taken to trace the rightful owners of the property, a process that is expected to involve victims of theft reporting to the authorities for identification of their lost items.
The operation marks one of the many ongoing efforts by security agencies to crack down on criminal networks dealing in stolen goods, particularly mobile phones, which are among the most commonly snatched items in towns and busy trading centers.
The National Police Service has assured members of the public that similar crackdowns will continue across different parts of the country as part of the efforts to dismantle such networks.
They further encouraged the public to remain vigilant and to assist law enforcement officers by reporting suspicious activities in their communities.
According to the statement, public cooperation plays a key role in helping officers respond quickly and prevent crimes before they spread further.
Police have also emphasized that stolen phones are often linked to other serious crimes, including robberies and assaults, and that curbing their circulation can help reduce insecurity.
The Service commended the officers who conducted the successful operation in Nyeri and reiterated its commitment to maintaining law and order.
The suspect remains in custody as investigations continue, and once complete, the findings will determine the next steps, including possible prosecution.
Meanwhile, members of the public who may have lost their devices are urged to visit the police station to assist in the identification process and reclaim their property.
