DCI nabs man linked to conning Kenyans going for staycations in Mombasa
By David Nthua, December 10, 2025The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has confirmed the apprehension of a man accused of conning Kenyans seeking short-stay rentals in Mombasa.
Through its X handle on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, the anti-crime body reported that the individual has been posing as an online apartment host, targeting unsuspecting travellers during the festive season.
The DCI has indicated that the case has highlighted a growing trend of digital fraud affecting domestic tourists.
Investigators have stated that the operation took shape after a Nairobi family lodged a complaint about a fake beachfront booking.
Conman targeting travellers
“Detectives domiciled at Nyali Sub County have arrested a conman who’s been pulling the wool over the eyes of unsuspecting travellers in search of online Airbnb bookings in Mombasa,” part of the DCI statement reads.
The DCI has explained that the arrest has come as a relief to many victims who have lost money to the same scheme.
According to the agency, the man has been presenting himself as the owner of an attractive rental unit named Brima Mangu Apartment B.
Additionally, in the statement, the DCI has reported that on December 1, 2025, a Nairobi resident attempted to book a four-night stay after admiring the photos shared online.
The unsuspecting customer engaged a man and agreed on a rate of Ksh6000 per night.
When the traveller arrived in Mombasa on December 4, 2025, all attempts to reach the person of interest failed. ‘Sema muosho moja safi.‘
The agency has described the desperation that followed, stating that the victim found himself stranded with no accommodation.
Manhunt and advice
Detectives launched a manhunt and used forensic leads to track the individual.
“Thanks to forensic leads, they flushed him out of his hideout, subsequently arresting him. He is now cooling his heels in custody, undergoing processing pending arraignment,” DCI said in the statement.
Officers have said investigations have continued as they seek to identify possible additional victims.
The DCI has issued a caution to the public during this festive period.
The statement has warned travellers to verify listings, avoid rushed payments, and stay alert, noting that not every attractive online offer has been legitimate.