Police Operation Leads to Major Recovery
Two suspects are in police custody after officers in Kisumu successfully recovered several vehicles believed to have been stolen from various parts of the county.
According to preliminary reports, the arrests were made after a week-long intelligence-led operation conducted by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and local police officers.
Authorities confirmed that the operation targeted a suspected car theft syndicate believed to have been operating between Kisumu, Homa Bay, and Siaya counties.
Details of the Recovery
During the raid, officers managed to intercept two vehicles — including a Toyota Probox and a Toyota Axio — suspected to have been stolen and fitted with fake registration plates.
The vehicles were traced to a compound in Kondele area, where the suspects were allegedly preparing to sell them to unsuspecting buyers.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the recovered vehicles had been reported stolen in Homa Bay and Kisii, weeks earlier.
Suspects in Custody
The suspects, identified only as two men in their 30s, were arrested at the scene and taken to Kisumu Central Police Station for interrogation.
Police say more arrests are expected as investigations continue to unravel the wider network behind the operation.
The DCI is now pursuing additional leads to determine whether the suspects are part of a larger car-theft ring active in Western Kenya.
Police Statement
Confirming the incident, Kisumu County Commander urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious vehicle sales or storage yards within their neighborhoods.
“We are working tirelessly to dismantle vehicle theft cartels operating within the region. Anyone found in possession of stolen vehicles will face full legal consequences,”
— Kisumu County Police Commander.
Public Response and Safety Advisory
Motorists in the region have welcomed the arrests, calling on authorities to maintain regular patrols and enhance vehicle verification systems.
Police have urged all vehicle owners to:
-
Ensure their vehicles are equipped with tracking systems.
-
Keep updated copies of logbooks and insurance papers.
-
Report thefts immediately to nearby police stations for quick tracing.
What’s Next
The two suspects will be arraigned in court once investigations are complete.
Meanwhile, the recovered vehicles remain at the Kisumu Central Police Station pending verification by the National Transport and Safety Authority (NTSA) and their rightful owners.
This latest crackdown highlights law enforcement’s growing focus on automobile theft rings across Kenya, especially in regions bordering major towns and highways.
