By Grace Gilo
Following an extensive search for the individuals responsible for a series of burglaries that have caused distress among godown proprietors in Nairobi and its surrounding areas, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have achieved a significant milestone with the apprehension of a ten-member gang believed to be involved in these criminal activities.
The suspects, aged between 36 and 50, are alleged to have played a direct role in orchestrating and carrying out break-ins that resulted in the theft of various hardware items, steel products, lubricants, and spare parts for motor vehicles.
According to DCI, a coordinated effort involving detectives from the DCI’s Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) in Nairobi and DCI Kasarani, the suspects, Paul Njoroge Muthoni (39), Job Onsomu Onkundi (38), Erick Irungu Karanja (37), Daniel Opiyo Oketch (45), James Maina Githua (36), Joseph Maina Wambugu (50), Patrick Karani (39), Peter Karangi (44), Peter Karanja Kanyoro (42), and Mathew Riunge Karinge (46) were located and apprehended in their hideouts within Nairobi and its vicinity.
“In a joint operation comprising detectives from DCI’s Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau [CRIB] Nairobi area and DCI Kasarani, the suspects; Paul Njoroge Muthoni 39, Job Onsomu Onkundi 38, Erick Irungu Karanja 37, Daniel Opiyo Oketch 45, James Maina Githua 36, Joseph Maina Wambugu 50, Patrick Karani 39, Peter Karangi 44, Peter Karanja Kanyoro 42, Mathew Riunge Karinge 46; were smoked out of their hideouts in Nairobi and its surroundings,” the DCI revealed.
Following a brief interrogation, the suspects led the detectives to Faith Estate, Riverside Court in Juja, Murera, where 463 cartons of lubricants, previously stolen from a godown at Thika Industrial Park, were recovered.
Additionally, during the operation, the investigative team seized and impounded four vehicles linked to the burglaries.
As inquiries continue and efforts to locate additional suspects and stolen property persist, it has been determined that the gang is associated with a burglary incident in Mwiki, where in April 2024, they unlawfully entered two godowns belonging to Syzo International, stealing hardware items and laptops.
In another incident that took place in Kamulu on July 26, 2024, the criminals reportedly scaled the walls of Patnet Steel makers, restrained two security guards with ropes, ambushed the night shift employees, resulting in the death of one, and subsequently made off with large quantities of nails and barbed wire.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations reiterates its resolve to remain proactive and professional in investigating crimes, protecting life and property, apprehending offenders and supporting their prosecution,” reiterated the DCI.