Advertisement
Police expose tricks used by phone snatchers as trend picks up in Uasin Gishu
13th January, 2026 01:02 PM
After decisively tackling thugs and cartels who have been forcefully snatching phones and other valuables from residents, the Uasin Gishu Police have issued a warning about a new trend targeting unsuspecting members of the public.
Speaking to members of the press on Monday, January 12, 2026, the Eldoret Police Commander Benjamin Mwathi revealed the latest tactics used by thugs in Eldoret town.
According to the Police boss, the latest tactic involves criminals asking to borrow phones under the pretence of making a call, only to disappear with the device.
Residents have been cautioned to remain vigilant and avoid handing over their phones to strangers.
Mwathi also warned against pickpocketing, assuring the public that offenders will be dealt with firmly. Speaking on the arrests of three suspects implicated in the killing of a pharmacist at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Mwathi said,
“We urge residents to cooperate with the police during any incidents. Our officers will act swiftly and ensure that anyone involved in criminal activities is brought to justice,” Mwathi said.
At the time, Commander Mwathi urged residents to cooperate with police during any incidents, emphasising that law enforcement would act swiftly to protect the community.
DCI nab 3 men in Uasin Gishu
The alert comes a day after Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations arrested three men linked to armed robbery while recovering an AK-47 rifle loaded with ten rounds of ammunition.
In a post on the DCI official X account on Sunday, January 11, 2026, the detectives announced that the three key persons of interest have been linked to past crimes in Uasin Gishu.
“Residents of Uasin Gishu County can finally breathe a sigh of relief after detectives arrested three suspected members of a violent criminal gang and recovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with ten rounds of ammunition,” DCI said.
According to the DCI, the three are believed to be part of a ruthless gang that has been terrorising residents through armed robberies and other violent crimes across the county.
How they were apprehended
On the other hand, the detectives explained that the events leading to the arrest were well-coordinated by detectives from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), supported by the Operations Unit at DCI Headquarters and their counterparts based in Uasin Gishu.
“Their arrest follows a well-coordinated joint operation by detectives from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), supported by the Operations Unit at DCI Headquarters and their Uasin Gishu-based counterparts,” DCI stated.
Following a proper investigation, the DCI revealed that the three were linked to several serious crimes while detailing a past incident where they held a family hostage before robbing them.
“Investigations have linked the gang to several serious crimes. In one chilling incident on 22 November 2025, the suspects reportedly held a family hostage, robbed them of their motor vehicle, and forced them to transfer money from their mobile wallets,” DCI added.
In a separate incident, a police officer was badly harmed in Ngara while confronting a middle-aged man who was accused of snatching a phone near Ngara bus station in Nairobi.
