Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have launched a widespread manhunt for Samuel Omondi Audi, a suspect with a history of narcotics charges who allegedly stole a newly acquired rental car and went into hiding.
Citizen Digital
The incident has highlighted growing concerns among vehicle owners in Nairobi regarding car-hire fraud schemes used by illicit networks to acquire vehicles for criminal operations.
The Disappearance: A Calculated Car-Hire Scam
According to police reports, the vehicle—a two-month-old Mazda CX-5—was hired out on July 23 after a referral in Utawala, Nairobi. Audi agreed to a daily rental fee of KSh 7,000 for an intended 10-day trip to Mombasa. The car was handed over to him off Thika Road in Kahawa Sukari.
Citizen Digital
[ TIMELINE OF THE DISAPPEARANCE ]
July 23: Car handed over at Kahawa Sukari (KSh 7,000/day agreement).
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Days Later: Vehicle owner detects prolonged stationary location on GPS.
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Machakos Discovery: GPS tracking unit found removed & dumped in Joska.
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DCI Alert: Manhunt launched for Samuel Omondi Audi.
Suspicion arose several days into the rental agreement when the car owner noticed the vehicle remained stationary for an unusually long duration. Upon following up via the vehicle’s GPS tracking system, the owner discovered that the tracking unit had been forcibly ripped out and abandoned along Kangundo Road in Joska, Machakos County.
Criminal History and Modus Operandi
DCI sleuths revealed that Samuel Omondi Audi is not a new subject of law enforcement interest. He is currently facing active court charges related to narcotics trafficking following a prior arrest along the Keroka-Sotik road, where he was found in possession of illegal drugs.
Investigators suspect a recurring criminal pattern:
Logistical Cover: Using third-party car hire agreements to obtain high-performance private vehicles under false pretenses.
Tracking Disruption: Promptly disabling installed GPS security units to evade law enforcement detection.
Illicit Transport: Utilizing rented civilian transport to move narcotics across county borders without triggering roadblock inspections.
Incident Summary
Feature / Detail Incident Parameter
Suspect Name Samuel Omondi Audi
Vehicle Type Mazda CX-5 (2 months old)
Handover Point Kahawa Sukari, off Thika Road
Tracker Location Found Dumped in Joska, Kangundo Road (Machakos)
Prior Charges Drug trafficking (Keroka-Sotik Road arrest)
Public Appeal
The DCI has appealed to members of the public, private car hire operators, and vehicle tracking agencies to remain vigilant. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Samuel Omondi Audi or the missing Mazda CX-5 is urged to contact the nearest police station or report directly to DCI Headquarters via their toll-free hotline.
Citizen Digital
