In a nationwide operation targeting motor vehicle thieves, car yard owners, and their enablers, police have arrested 28 individuals and recovered 22 stolen vehicles. The operation, conducted by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), highlights a significant rise in motor vehicle theft across Kenya, particularly since 2024. The DCI’s Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) spearheaded the operation, aiming to dismantle criminal networks responsible for vehicle theft and related crimes.
According to the DCI, the rise in motor vehicle thefts has resulted in significant financial losses for vehicle owners. The thefts have also contributed to increased insurance claims and unpaid loans by financial institutions, negatively impacting the broader economy. The stolen vehicles were often taken from parking lots, through carjackings, robberies, and even car hire scams. Criminal networks have increasingly used these methods to steal vehicles, which are then either sold to unsuspecting buyers within Kenya or smuggled into neighboring countries such as Uganda and Tanzania.
The DCI’s operation targeted several high-risk counties, including Nyeri, Kirinyaga, Kiambu, Embu, Machakos, Kajiado, Nairobi, Kisumu, Kakamega, Busia, and Bungoma. These areas were identified as hotspots for motor vehicle theft, and the operation involved extensive research and analysis to trace the syndicates responsible. The collaboration between DCI’s Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau and the Operation Action Team (OAT) was instrumental in carrying out arrests and recovering stolen vehicles.
The arrested suspects include thieves, technicians who vandalize car trackers, mechanics who erase vehicle registration details, and car yard owners who collude with thieves to sell stolen vehicles. Many of the stolen cars recovered during the operation had been sold to unsuspecting buyers or were in the process of being smuggled out of the country. The vehicles were often stripped of their tracking devices, and new number plates were fabricated to conceal their true identity.
Since the beginning of 2024, the DCI has made concerted efforts to target these criminal networks. The arrests and vehicle recoveries form part of a broader strategy to curb motor vehicle theft and ensure the security of vehicle owners in Kenya. The police have also taken steps to ensure that those arrested are arraigned in courts across the country to face charges related to motor vehicle theft, fraud, and other associated offenses.
The DCI has urged vehicle owners to take precautions to protect their cars from theft. They have recommended the installation of anti-theft devices and advised motorists to park in secure locations. It is also essential for car hire businesses to thoroughly verify the identity of clients before renting out vehicles to avoid falling victim to car theft syndicates. In addition, motorists are advised to be vigilant on the road and to verify the authenticity of vehicle documents, as fraudulent activities related to stolen cars are rampant.
The DCI’s recent efforts underscore the growing challenge of motor vehicle theft in Kenya and the need for increased vigilance among vehicle owners and the general public. By enhancing public awareness and promoting preventive measures, the DCI aims to reduce the impact of vehicle theft on individuals and the economy.
