Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a suspect linked to a stupefying and theft syndicate targeting unsuspecting revellers in Nairobi and its surrounding areas.
In a statement issued on Sunday, March 29, the DCI noted that the suspect was apprehended following an intelligence-led operation triggered by a report filed at Embakasi Police Station.
According to investigators, the complainant had been socialising at a city entertainment spot when he was approached and hugged by an unidentified woman shortly after playing a game of pool.
Ruiru ‘Mchele’ Lady Arrested as Police Recover Stolen Phones and Laptops. Photo: Courtesy.
Shortly after the encounter, the victim began feeling dizzy and chose to leave for home in the woman’s company before losing consciousness.
Upon regaining awareness, he discovered that several valuables had been stolen from his house, including two laptops (HP and Lenovo), a Samsung S22 mobile phone, KSh 168,000 in cash, and jewellery valued at KSh 50,000.
DCI launched investigations and, through forensic leads, traced the suspect, Jane Wangare Ndungu, to the Kihunguro area in Ruiru, Kiambu County.
A search of her apartment led to the recovery of suspected stolen items, including 40 mobile phones of various brands, 14 laptops, and an iPad with a keyboard.
Some of the recovered items were positively identified as belonging to the complainant.
Preliminary findings indicate that the suspect is part of an organised criminal network that uses a stupefying substance commonly known as ‘mchele’ to incapacitate victims.
The syndicate is believed to exploit this condition to steal valuables and obtain sensitive financial information, contributing to the circulation of stolen electronics in the black market.
The suspect remains in custody at Embakasi Police Station as investigations continue to dismantle the wider network.
Authorities have also urged the public to stay vigilant in social settings and report any suspicious activities to the nearest police station.
