Police recover Sh3 million in stolen phones, cash in Nairobi CBD crackdown

Regional Commander George Sedah has confirmed the recovery of 77 mobile phones and Sh614,000 in cash believed to have been used to buy stolen phones from snatchers.

The total value of the recovered items is estimated at Sh3 million. This is part of an ongoing police operation targeting phone thieves and their networks in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).

Speaking at the Nairobi Region Police Headquarters, Commander Sedah said the operation was carried out along Munyu Street and Mfangano Street, where the money was collected from areas known to host phone receivers.

So far, six suspects have been arrested. However, Sedah clarified that those in custody are not the actual phone snatchers, but rather the receivers — individuals running mobile phone repair shops suspected of dealing in stolen phones.

“The operation is still ongoing, and our investigations are focused on arresting the actual snatchers,” said Sedah. “We are also checking whether mobile repair shops in the CBD are operating legally.”

The recovered phones and cash were found in these shops, which are believed to be the final stop for phones stolen from the public.

The operation is being conducted with the support of other security agencies. Sedah stressed that the crackdown will continue until everyone involved is brought to justice.

He urged the public to support the police by sharing any helpful information.

“We encourage Nairobi residents to keep giving us tips. Safety is a shared responsibility,” he said.

Victims of phone theft have been asked to visit the regional police headquarters to identify and reclaim their phones.

 Sedah warned the public not to pay any money to retrieve lost phones, saying the process is free and managed directly by the police.

Although the total number of phone thefts is not currently known, Sedah said there are many active cases under investigation.

 He also raised concerns about cross-border phone theft, where phones are stolen from neighboring countries and sold locally. He urged Kenyans to stay alert and report any cases of phone theft.

The commander praised the teamwork among different police units and encouraged officers to continue working together to keep the city safe.

He added that more crackdowns targeting both phone snatchers and their collaborators will follow in the coming days.