A multi-sectoral team of detectives has arrested two prime suspects linked to a spike in motor vehicle theft in Nairobi and neighbouring counties.
The DCI said in a statement Friday the intelligence-led operation by detectives drawn from the Nairobi regional Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau, Operations and DCI Kayole also led to the recovery of a number plate and three suspected stolen cars.
The first suspect was arrested with a number plate at his residence in Makongeni Estate, Thika and led detectives to his accomplice who was arrested at Kenyatta Road in Juja where a white Toyota Fielder suspected to be stolen was recovered.
"On further interrogation, the suspects confessed to have earlier stolen a red Isuzu DMAX within Kayole, which they sold to a buyer in Nyeri through one of their accomplices," DCI boss Mohamed Amin said.
He said detectives relying on the information proceeded to Narumoru where they recovered the vehicle.
A third suspect found driving the DMAX was equally arrested and taken to DCI offices in Nairobi.
"After investigative interviewing of the suspects, a fourth accomplice was cornered and arrested within Githurai, who led the sleuths to Limuru's Flyover area where his partner in crime was arrested," the DCI added.
He said the fifth suspect arrested at the Flyover area was found in possession of a suspected stolen Toyota Corolla.
The vehicle was recovered at detained at DCI offices.
Amin said later on Friday evening, another accomplice of the suspects was traced to and arrested at Kariobangi, Nairobi.
"The suspect is currently being interrogated with detectives hoping to make more recoveries in Nairobi and Nakuru counties."
The arrests and recovery of the vehicles come just a day after five vehicles were recovered in Athi River on Wednesday as police intensified their crackdown on the car theft syndicate in Nairobi and its environs.
The vehicles are suspected to have been stolen from Lang’ata and Jogoo road among other parts of the city.
A fielder that had been stolen from the parking lot of an apartment in Athi River, Machakos County early Monday at 3 am was among the recovered vehicle.
The car tracker was disconnected less than 300 metres away, immediately after it was stolen.