Police in Thika West Sub-County have arrested three young men suspected to be behind a series of mobile phone thefts that have troubled residents in the Jomoko area.
The arrests followed heightened surveillance and a planned security operation by officers who had been tracking a group believed to be targeting phone users before escaping on a motorcycle. During the operation, police recovered a toy pistol that was allegedly used to scare victims during the attacks.
In a statement released on Thursday, the National Police Service said officers acted after receiving early intelligence pointing to a gang that was operating along a known route within Thika West.
According to police, the suspects used a motorcycle to approach unsuspecting members of the public, snatch their mobile phones, and quickly flee the scene before help could arrive.
To stop the crimes, officers mounted a coordinated ambush along the route commonly used by the suspects.
As the operation was underway, a motorcycle carrying three male suspects was spotted approaching from the Juja direction. Officers moved in immediately and intercepted the motorcycle.
All three suspects, aged between 22 and 24 years, were arrested on the spot.
“Officers swiftly moved in and successfully arrested all three suspects,” the police statement confirmed.
A search conducted at the scene led to the recovery of a toy pistol, which police said the suspects had been using to intimidate victims during the thefts. The item was taken and secured as an exhibit as investigations continue.
During questioning, the suspects admitted that they were not residents of the area. Police said they revealed they had been travelling from another neighborhood within Nairobi County to carry out phone snatching in Thika West.
“The suspects disclosed that they were from a different neighbourhood in Nairobi County and had been travelling to the area specifically to snatch mobile phones from members of the public,” police said.
The suspects are currently being held in custody as officers continue with investigations. Police are seeking more information that could help link them to other theft cases and prevent similar crimes.
Mobile phone theft has remained a common security challenge in Thika town and other parts of Kiambu County. Police say several groups have been targeting phone users, especially in poorly lit areas and along busy walkways.
In January 2026, officers recovered more than 80 suspected stolen mobile phones during a raid on a shop in Kiganjo village. The items included 37 smartphones and 47 feature phones, alongside other goods believed to have been stolen.
Police have noted that criminals have increasingly focused on electronic devices, taking advantage of moments when phone users are distracted or alone.
Other recent operations in Kiambu County have also led to arrests linked to phone snatching. In September 2025, officers in Kikuyu arrested two suspects and recovered several stolen mobile phones during an intelligence-led raid following complaints of increased theft at Dagoretti Market.
Crime data places Kiambu among counties with high numbers of reported crime cases. According to the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics, Kiambu recorded 9,532 crime cases in 2023, with theft and robbery forming a large share of the reports.
The National Police Service said it remains committed to ensuring safety and reducing crime across the country.
“The Service remains on high alert, sustaining proactive operations to curb insecurity, and reaffirms its unwavering commitment to protecting the lives and property of all,” the statement added.
Police say the arrests send a clear warning to criminals operating in Thika West and surrounding areas that law enforcement officers are alert and actively responding to security threats.
Residents have welcomed the action taken by police, saying it offers relief and reassurance at a time when concerns over phone theft have been growing.
Authorities have urged members of the public to continue sharing information and reporting suspicious activities, noting that community cooperation plays a key role in fighting crime.
The operation is part of a wider security strategy aimed at restoring public confidence and keeping neighborhoods safe.
As investigations continue, police say patrols and intelligence-based operations will remain active to dismantle criminal groups and improve safety for residents.
