A suspected member of a car break-in syndicate was arrested at Sameer Business Park in Nairobi after a dramatic escape attempt was foiled at the facility’s main gate, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has said.
The arrest of Malcolm Okello, 35, followed a reported theft incident on August 3, when a motorist discovered her vehicle had been broken into while parked at the busy commercial complex.
According to the DCI, the victim returned to find several valuables missing.
“On 3rd August 2026, a motorist returned to her parked car at Sameer Park to a shocking discovery: her vehicle broken into, a laptop, tablet and charger gone without a trace,” the agency said in a statement.
Suspicion quickly fell on a Toyota Land Cruiser that had remained idling within the parking yard shortly after the incident. Guards noted that its occupants appeared unusually eager to leave.
“Their suspicion fell on a Toyota Land Cruiser, Reg. No. KDT 122Q, idling nearby with two occupants who looked far too eager to leave,” the DCI stated.
When security personnel attempted to inspect the vehicle, the driver sped off towards the exit in a bid to evade detection, while the second occupant jumped out and fled on foot.
“The moment guards moved to search the vehicle, the driver floored it, racing for the exit in a desperate bid for freedom, while a second occupant bailed out on foot and vanished into the streets,” the statement added.
The attempted escape was cut short when guards at the gate blocked the vehicle, leading to Okello’s arrest.
A search of the vehicle uncovered items linking the suspect to the crime, including the stolen electronics. Detectives also recovered tools believed to have been used in multiple break-ins.
“A search of the vehicle blew the case wide open, uncovering the stolen laptop and charger, a motor vehicle number plate KDG 453W, wireless door jammers and a metallic door breaker,” the DCI said.
Investigators further established that the vehicle had been fitted with fake number plates, raising concerns about a broader criminal network targeting parked vehicles across Nairobi.
“Preliminary investigations confirmed the vehicle had been fitted with fake plates to dodge detection, and is now linked to a string of similar break-ins,” the agency noted.
Okello remains in custody and is expected to be arraigned in court. Meanwhile, detectives have launched a manhunt for the second suspect who escaped, as investigations into the suspected syndicate continue.