Over 200 Phones, Laptops Recovered as Suspect is Arrested in Nyeri

Police in Nyeri have arrested a 32-year-old man found in possession of hundreds of suspected stolen electronic devices.

In a statement on Saturday, September 20, the National Police Service (NPS) said the arrest was made following an intelligence-led operation in Nyeri Township.

"The operation, which was conducted yesterday on 19th September 2025, saw officers from Nyeri Police Station—led by the OCS—raid a shop in Nyeri Township.

"This followed intelligence reports that the premises were being used to trade in stolen and snatched mobile phones and laptops," the statement read.

According to NPS, during the raid, police seized hundreds of devices believed to have been stolen from members of the public.

"Upon searching the property, the officers recovered 292 used mobile phones and four laptops. The suspect was arrested after failing to provide a satisfactory account of how he had acquired the items," the statement added.

The police confirmed that the man is being held as investigations continue to establish the source of the electronics and track down their owners.

"He was escorted to Nyeri Police Station, where he was booked and placed in custody pending further investigations. An inventory of the recovered items has been made, and efforts are underway to identify their rightful owners," the statement concluded.

This comes a day after detectives arrested 5 suspects in connection with a kidnapping incident in Ruaka.

In a statement on Friday, September 19, DCI said detectives launched the operations after the victim’s girlfriend raised an alarm.

According to DCI, the victim’s girlfriend’s call to his boyfriend was answered by an unidentified voice that demanded a ransom of Ksh500,000 for his safe release.

"The operation and subsequent arrest of the suspects unfolded after the victim’s girlfriend's call to his boyfriend was answered by an unidentified voice that demanded a ransom of Ksh500,000 for the safe return of her boyfriend," DCI stated.

Following intelligence leads, the DCI detectives trailed the suspects to Ithanga, where they rescued the victim, who was found with multiple injuries and wearing a blood-stained shirt.

The sleuths arrested the suspects: Sydney Ezra Achanda, John Louise Omondi, Enock Sum Cheruyot, Peter Kanini Mwangi, and Lucy Sara Muhonja near Quick Matt Thindigua.

During the operation, the detectives impounded two getaway vehicles used by the suspects: a Suzuki Swift with registration number KDD 841D and a Mazda Demio with registration number KDP 468Y.

The officers also recovered a kitchen knife, ten assorted mobile phones, and a tablet, among other items, in the vehicles.

The 5 suspects had already received a ransom of Ksh68,000 before they were apprehended.