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DCI nabs person of interest over Ksh3.6M theft from Greek tourist
10th August, 2025 12:06 PM
Detectives from the Nairobi Region Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau have arrested a person of interest said to be behind a calculated theft targeting a foreign tourist at the world-renowned Maasai Mara Game Park.
According to a statement released by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Sunday, August 10, 2025, the tourist had arrived in Nairobi on August 5, 2025. The next day, he embarked on a trip to the Maasai Mara, accompanied by a tour guide and Okello, whom he had met online and who had introduced himself under a false name.
“The victim, a Greek national, had arrived in Nairobi on August 5, 2025. The following day, accompanied by his tour guide, together with an acquaintance he had met online, introducing himself as “Jeremiah John”, he set off for the Maasai Mara,” DCI wrote.
While at the reserve, the person of interest, police say, vanished with three debit cards, a mobile phone, and a Seiko Crystal wristwatch belonging to the tourist. Approximately Ksh3.6 million had been withdrawn from the tourist’s bank account in what detectives described as a brazen theft.
“Forensic analysis revealed that ‘Jeremiah John’ was a false identity. The suspect was positively identified as Kenas Okello Oyugi, who was trailed and arrested at his hideout in Nairobi,” the DCI statement read.
Detectives recovered multiple items during the arrest, including mobile phones, the stolen wristwatch, Ksh54,050 in local currency, and an undisclosed amount in U.S. dollars. A brand-new Trek bicycle, believed to have been purchased using part of the stolen funds, was also seized.
“This arrest is a result of meticulous investigation and inter-agency cooperation,” the DCI added.
Okello is currently being held at Central Police Station in Nairobi as he undergoes processing. Authorities say he will be arraigned in court on Monday, August 11, 2025.
DCI said the case underscores growing concerns over travel safety and the use of digital platforms by criminals to lure unsuspecting visitors.
“This incident serves as a warning to tourists and locals alike to exercise caution when dealing with unfamiliar persons, especially those met online,” the DCI emphasised.
As investigations continue, sleuths are working to trace any additional transactions linked to the stolen cards and determine if the suspect is part of a wider criminal network preying on tourists.
