At least six suspects were on Sunday arrested following a failed house-breaking incident in the Jokim area of South B, Nairobi.
Police said the group, which included a woman and a Tanzanian national, is believed to be linked to a string of burglary incidents reported in several Nairobi neighbourhoods, including Westlands, Parklands, South B, South C, Lavington and Kilimani.
According to police, the arrests follow weeks of reports on break-ins targeting homes whose occupants were away, particularly during weekends and holidays.
Investigators believe some of the incidents may have been facilitated by guards working in various residential properties, though inquiries into these allegations are ongoing.
Makadara Sub-County Police Commander Judith Nyongesa said the gang mainly targeted household items such as electronics, clothing and cash.
They allegedly used master keys and other specialised tools to gain entry into homes and operated using three vehicles; a Toyota Prado, a Nissan X-Trail and a Mazda Demio, all believed to have been fitted with fake number plates.
Police further suspect the stolen items were often sold outside the country.
The suspects were arrested on Sunday, November 16, 2025, after attempting to break into a house whose owners had travelled.
Police said the occupants, who were out of town, spotted suspicious activity through their CCTV cameras and immediately alerted their caretaker and a neighbour.
The neighbour, through his contacts, reached out to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, prompting an urgent police response.
Security footage captured the dramatic scene as a police vehicle arrived and blocked the suspects’ black car just as they attempted to flee.
Officers ordered the occupants out at gunpoint before arresting them.
Police said one of the suspects has previously been mentioned in connection with several similar incidents, while another, identified as being of Indian origin, had also been captured on CCTV footage in earlier cases.
A woman in the group is suspected to have been stationed outside homes to monitor the surroundings and alert the others of any police response.
During the operation, detectives recovered fake number plates and assorted tools believed to have been used in the break-ins.
Police have urged anyone who may have fallen victim to similar incidents to report to the nearest police station to support ongoing investigations.
“We strongly urge all those who fell victim to the break-ins to ensure they file official complaints with the National Police Service,” Nyongesa said, adding that investigators are now piecing together evidence before the suspects are arraigned.
Nyongesa further advised Nairobi residents to strengthen security in their homes, especially when travelling for the holiday season.
“With the festive season coming, we
anticipate many people will travel. We urge residents to ensure they have
proper mechanisms for the safety of their premises. This starts with the guards
they employ and maintaining reliable security cameras,” she said.
