A Nairobi court has detained for seven days suspects who are alleged to be part of a large car stealing syndicate.
While detaining the suspects, Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Robinson Ondieki concurred with the investigating officer, who requested more time to conclude investigations and prefer charges against the four.
“Noting the respondents did not oppose the prayer of their detention, an order is hereby issued allowing the investigating officer to detain them in custody for seven days,” the magistrate ordered.
The investigating officer told the court that a report was made at Parklands Police Station on March 22, 2025, by Benedict Musiko, who operates a car hire company, Given Tours and Safaris.
He told the court that on March 19, 2025, William Mugecha Ngugi hired a Toyota Axio, registration number KDR 722K, from the company for three days.
“After three days lapsed upon which the contract was signed, the suspect did not return the vehicle,” Shamalla told the court.
On March 21, 2025, the complainant checked the car’s tracking system and noticed that it had been switched off. He contacted the agent who had linked him with the suspect but could not reach him by phone, prompting him to report the matter.
Shamalla said that investigations and an operation to recover the motor vehicle commenced, with several individuals recording statements.
On April 3, 2025, the stolen vehicle was recovered abandoned at Joska in Ruai with a fake registration number, KDM 697Z.
Further operations by the DCI led to the arrest of Mutua John Julius, George Nyakundi, Simon Mugo Chege and Raphael Oloo Kira.
Suspects allegedly used fraudulent identification
Preliminary investigations revealed that Mutua and Nyakundi allegedly specialized in hiring motor vehicles using fraudulent identification documents before stealing them.
“They had stolen William Mugecha’s identification card and a driving licence and impersonated to be William and hired the vehicle from Given Tours and Safaris and went on to fix a fake registration number,” the officer told the court.
According to the officer, members of the alleged car stealing syndicate, Simon Mugo Chege and Raphael Oloo Kira, erased the vehicle’s identity marks on the side mirrors and brake lights.
They also allegedly facilitated the production of the fake registration number KDM 697Z. Police arrested them at Grogon along Kirinyaga Road.
Further investigations revealed that other motor vehicles were allegedly involved in the thefts. They include KDQ 565Z and KDQ 563J, whose number plates police recovered during the operation.
Police seek more time to investigate car theft syndicate
The investigating officer asked the court to deny the respondents bond, citing concerns that their release could jeopardize ongoing investigations.
He said police were still working to recover other vehicles allegedly linked to the car stealing syndicate.
“Releasing the suspects now might also interfere with the hiding cells where the stolen vehicles are dismantled, production of fake number plates, panel beating and altering with the chassis numbers hence denial of justice to members of the public,” he submitted.
Investigators also want to obtain the history of the vehicles involved from the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA).
The officer further told the court that the respondents’ places of abode were unknown, which he said made them flight risks.
Court orders suspects detained for a week
In his ruling, Magistrate Robinson Ondieki allowed the investigating officer’s application.
The magistrate ordered the four suspects to remain detained at Parklands Police Station for seven days.
