Police in Kitale have nabbed two suspects believed to be masterminds behind a string of robberies and the underground market for stolen motorcycles and spare parts.
The arrests were made during an intelligence-led operation conducted by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The DCI said on Thursday, August 29, 2024, that the operation was initiated in response to a surge in robberies and the subsequent deaths of innocent persons in Endebess and its neighbouring regions.
The suspects, Sammy Mwangi Muriithi and Denis Wanjala Simiyu, were apprehended during a raid at their garage, Ex-Japan Spares, located in the Veterinary area of Kitale town.
According to the authorities, their garage was not just a hub for quick fixes but a one-stop chop shop for disassembled motorcycles from unfortunate robbery victims.
“Sammy Mwangi Muriithi and Denis Wanjala Simiyu were apprehended when law enforcement officers raided their garage, Ex-Japan Spares, located in the Veterinary area of Kitale town. Intelligence had revealed that motorcycles from victims of robberies were taken to the garage, disassembled, and then sold as spare parts to unsuspecting buyers,” the statement by DCI read in part.
During the raid recovered three motorcycles, three motorcycle chassis frames, twenty-six registration plates, an array of dismantled motorcycle parts, and three mobile phones.
The two suspects are cooling their heels in custody as the authorities verify the ownership of the recovered items.
“The suspects are currently in custody, undergoing processing before their arraignment while the ownership of the recovered items is being verified,” the statement read further.