Two suspects accused of breaking into a parked vehicle and stealing cash and electronic devices in Kirinyaga County have been detained for seven days as police investigate their alleged involvement in a series of similar incidents.
Vincent Juma Ranguma and Rosalid Wangari Mwihaki were arrested in Ruiru following a tip-off and subsequent identification by detectives from Mwea East Sub-County.
The two are accused of breaking into a Toyota Prado parked near a hotel in Ngurubani town, Mwea, where they allegedly stole KSh 70,000 in cash, a laptop and a power bank.
Investigators say CCTV footage from the hotel premises captured the incident, showing Ranguma unlocking the vehicle while Mwihaki allegedly kept watch nearby.
A second car, believed to have been used by the suspects, was reportedly parked close to the scene. Its driver was seen scanning the surroundings as the alleged theft took place.
The footage further shows the suspects leaving the area in a vehicle shortly after the incident, providing detectives with crucial leads in their investigations.
According to investigators, the two suspects have admitted to being members of a five-person gang allegedly involved in similar vehicle break-ins. Police are now pursuing the remaining three individuals believed to be part of the group.
Following their arrest, detectives presented the suspects before Wang’uru Law Courts, where they obtained a seven-day detention order to allow further investigations.
The two are being held at Wang’uru Police Station as officers work to establish the full extent of their alleged involvement and determine whether the gang is linked to other theft cases in the region.
The incident has raised concerns about thefts targeting vehicles parked near hotels and other public establishments, where motorists may leave their belongings unattended.
Police have urged motorists to remain vigilant, secure their vehicles and avoid leaving cash, laptops and other valuables in plain sight. They have also encouraged members of the public to report suspicious activities to the authorities.
Investigations are ongoing as detectives seek to track down the other suspects and establish whether the group is connected to additional vehicle break-ins.