Detectives in Thika have arrested two Iranian nationals in connection with an alleged theft incident that reportedly left a Kenyan shopkeeper Sh15,000 poorer.
The suspects were identified as 56-year-old Heidari Mansoior Eslam and his alleged accomplice, 40-year-old Babaei Ahmad Mirzaaga.
According to investigators, the two were apprehended after a shopkeeper at a local mobile phone outlet grew suspicious of their conduct while they posed as customers interested in purchasing a phone.
Police said the shopkeeper became uneasy after recognizing the pair as individuals suspected to have been involved in a similar theft incident at a nearby shop about a month earlier.
Acting on his suspicions, the trader contacted a fellow shopkeeper who had previously reported a loss.
“The sharp-eyed shopkeeper became suspicious when the pair pretended to be customers looking to purchase a phone,” police said in a statement.
“He suspected the two of being involved in a case of theft in a nearby shop just a month prior.”
Upon arrival, the second shopkeeper confronted the suspects and positively identified them as the individuals who had allegedly stolen Sh15,000 from his business during the earlier incident.
“The other shopkeeper positively identified the two foreigners, as he was indeed a victim of their stupefying tactics, which had left him 15,000 shillings poorer a month ago,” the statement said.
An alarm was subsequently raised, drawing the attention of members of the public who gathered at the scene.
Police said tensions escalated as the crowd threatened to take matters into their own hands.
“The alarm was raised, and members of the public gathered at the scene,” detectives said, noting that officers intervened swiftly to prevent mob justice.
Law enforcement officers arrived in time and escorted the two suspects to safety before taking them into custody.
The pair were later booked at Thika Police Station, where they are being held pending completion of investigations and arraignment in court.
“Luckily, before chaos ensued, law enforcement swooped in to rescue the foreigners from a potential mob injustice,” police said.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the arrests underscore the importance of public vigilance and cooperation with law enforcement in tackling crime.
The DCI urged members of the public to continue reporting suspicious activities through its anonymous channels.
“#FichuaKwaDCI. Call 0800 722 203 (toll-free) or WhatsApp 0709 570 000 to report anonymously. Usiogope!” the statement said.
Investigations into the incident are ongoing as police prepare the suspects for arraignment.
