Three suspects believed to be involved in a high-profile burglary in Nairobi’s Westlands area last month are cooling off their heels in police custody.
Police said the suspects, identified as Lenah Khamatioli (28), Ian Kavaya (28), and Peninah Mutola (32), were traced to their hideout in Kawangware, where a treasure trove of brand-new items was also discovered.
A statement shared by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Monday, October 21, 2024, says the arrest follows a burglary that took place on September 24, when a South Sudanese national returned to her home on Rahpta Road, Westlands, to find her house girl missing, with her employee, USD 24,500 (Ksh3.1 million), an iPhone 15, a Samsung Z Flip, and a jewellery collection had mysteriously vanished.
She quickly reported the incident to the DCI Kilimani offices, who launched an investigation.
“Kilimani detectives have arrested three suspects linked to a burglary where electronic items, USD 24,500 and other valuables were stolen from a house in Westlands, Nairobi a month ago. The suspects – Lenah Khamatioli (28), Ian Kavaya (28), and Peninah Mutola (32) – were traced to their hideout in Kawangware, where newly acquired items believed to be proceeds of the crime were also found,” DCI stated
DCI said it took weeks of forensic sleuthing, but detectives finally swooped in and arrested the three suspects.
They also uncovered a veritable shopping list of recently acquired goods. Among the items were a Boxer motorcycle (Reg No. KMGN 840N), a 55-inch Vitron TV, a Hanmac microwave, an HP laptop, an NNix cooker oven, a 6kg Pro gas cylinder, a five-seater sofa, a mattress, two watches, and not one, not two, but three brand-new Samsung A50 phones.
“In the incident which took place on September 24, the house owner (a South Sudanese national) arrived at her home located along Rahpta Road Westlands to find her house girl missing, and along with her USD 24,500, an iPhone 15, a Samsung Z Flip and several pieces of jewellery. She reported the theft at DCI Kilimani offices where investigations were launched,” the statement read in part.
Authorities also confiscated an agreement for the purchase of a parcel of land in Kapkangani, Nandi County, worth Ksh423,000.
BURGLARS ARRESTED AS DETECTIVES SEIZE PROCEEDS OF THE CRIME
Kilimani detectives have arrested three suspects linked to a burglary where electronic items, USD 24,500 and other valuables were stolen from a house in Westlands, Nairobi a month ago.
The suspects – Lenah Khamatioli… pic.twitter.com/5Jn4R0GjLk
— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) October 21, 2024