Police nab person of interest with stolen items in Mathare raid
By Faith Lagat, July 11, 2025Police in Nairobi have arrested a person of interest and recovered a trove of suspected stolen electronics during a targeted operation in Mathare.
The operation, carried out on July 10 by officers from Utalii Police Station, followed a tip-off about suspicious activity at the residence of a man running an electronics repair shop in the area.
“The person of interest was placed in custody, awaiting arraignment in court as investigations continue,” the post read.
Recoveries
During the raid, officers recovered 72 mobile phones, two laptops, a Universal Flashing Interface (UFI), a Pandora device, a camera, two external hard drives, and a CPU—items believed to be linked to a wider theft ring.
“During the operation, the officers arrested the suspect and recovered several suspected stolen electronic items, including 72 mobile phones, 2 laptops, 1 Universal Flashing Interface (UFI), a Pandora device, a camera, 2 external hard drives, and a CPU,” read the post.
So far, 32 of the recovered phones have been positively identified by complainants from M-KOPA, a firm known for supplying mobile devices on loan terms and securing them with SIM-lock technology. The remaining items have been taken into police custody as exhibits pending further identification and verification.
“Thirty-two of the recovered mobile phones have already been positively identified by complainants from M-KOPA Company. The remaining items have been secured and placed in police custody as exhibits, pending further identification by their rightful owners.”
The person of interest was arrested on-site and is currently in custody awaiting arraignment in court. Police say investigations are ongoing to determine the full extent of the suspect’s involvement and whether he acted alone or with accomplices.
The National Police Service (NPS) has commended members of the public for their cooperation, noting that the breakthrough would not have been possible without timely information from residents.
“The National Police Service commends members of the public for the information that led to the arrest and recovery and encourages them to continue working closely with law enforcement officers by volunteering information in line with the spirit of community policing. We urge the public to continue reporting suspicious activities,” the statement read.
Residents have been urged to report any unclaimed electronics or suspicious repair shops as efforts to trace rightful owners continue.
The NPS assured the public that officers remain committed to restoring trust and strengthening security, particularly in vulnerable areas.