Two men believed to be part of a well-organized motor vehicle theft syndicate have been arraigned in court following their arrest in a police operation that uncovered an elaborate car theft network in Kisumu and surrounding areas.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects — identified as Michael Erick Mwaga and Peter Andai — were arrested after detectives tracked them to their hideout in a coordinated sting that led to the recovery of eleven suspected stolen vehicles.
The vehicles are believed to have been stolen from unsuspecting car owners across the region, with investigators linking the duo to multiple theft incidents reported in recent months.
Arraignment in Winam Court
The two suspects appeared before the Winam Chief Magistrate’s Court, where they were charged with being in possession of suspected stolen motor vehicles.
The prosecution requested additional time to finalize investigations and process forensic evidence linking the suspects to the theft network. The court subsequently granted detectives a five-day custodial order to complete the investigation before formal charges are confirmed.
Ongoing Investigations
DCI officers said that investigations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other members of the wider syndicate believed to be operating across the lake region, with possible connections to car theft rings in neighboring counties.
“Our officers are following crucial leads aimed at tracking down and bringing to book the remaining members of the network,” a DCI statement noted.
Police sources added that some of the recovered vehicles are undergoing verification to establish their rightful owners, with several already linked to theft reports filed in Kisumu, Siaya, and Homa Bay counties.
Rising Trend of Vehicle Theft
The arrests come amid a growing concern over rising cases of motor vehicle theft and car part stripping in Western Kenya, often targeting vehicles parked in residential estates and public parking lots.
Authorities have warned car owners to remain vigilant, urging the public to invest in vehicle tracking systems and secure parking spaces to deter organized syndicates.
The National Police Service has in recent months intensified joint operations with the DCI’s Stolen Motor Vehicle Unit, focusing on recovery, dismantling syndicates, and cracking down on garages used for altering vehicle identification details.
What Happens Next
The suspects will remain in custody pending completion of investigations, after which they are expected to be formally charged. If convicted, they could face up to 14 years in prison under Kenya’s Penal Code provisions on handling stolen property and motor vehicle theft.
Recovered vehicles are being held at Kisumu Central Police Station as police verify ownership documents and prepare to return them to their lawful owners.
