Police have arrested two suspects linked to an alleged mobile phone theft and cybercrime syndicate operating in Bungoma County, following weeks of investigations into the theft, reprogramming, and illegal sale of stolen mobile devices.
In a statement posted on its official X account on Saturday, July 4, 2026, the National Police Service (NPS) said the arrests were made during a targeted operation in Kimilili Town after investigators uncovered what authorities believe to be a wider criminal network.
According to the police, the operation was the culmination of extensive inquiries into mobile phone theft and related cyber-enabled crimes reported within the county.
“Investigations into mobile phone theft and related cyber-enabled crimes have led to the arrest of two suspects linked to a phone theft and hacking syndicate operating within Bungoma County,” the NPS said.
Authorities revealed that detectives raided a shop operated by the suspects in Kimilili Town, where they recovered dozens of mobile phones suspected to have been stolen from members of the public.
During the operation, officers seized 73 mobile phones believed to have been unlawfully obtained, as well as equipment allegedly used for flashing and reprogramming mobile devices.
Preliminary investigations indicate that the two suspects may be part of a broader criminal network involved in stealing, altering, and reselling mobile phones across the region.
“Preliminary investigations suggest that the two are part of a wider criminal network involved in the theft, reprogramming, and illicit resale of stolen mobile phones within the county,” the police stated.
The suspects remain in police custody pending their arraignment in court, while investigators continue pursuing additional leads to identify and apprehend other individuals linked to the alleged syndicate.
The National Police Service has appealed to members of the public to support ongoing security operations by reporting criminal or suspicious activities through the nearest police station or via the toll-free emergency numbers and designated reporting platforms.
