Car Theft Syndicate Busted in Kisumu, Thirteen Vehicles Recovered

Thirteen stolen vehicles have been recovered and three suspects arrested in Kisumu following a multi-agency operation prompted by community reports of suspicious activity in Migosi Estate.

The investigation began after residents observed vehicles being brought into a residential compound at night and removed by morning. Although initially dismissed as a possible car rental business, the increasing number of vehicles and the absence of visible owners raised concerns. 

Residents alerted the authorities, leading to a coordinated investigation that uncovered a suspected vehicle theft and resale syndicate. Police recovered twelve vehicles, four Toyota Fielders and eight Toyota Axio saloon cars, from a compound in Migosi. A thirteenth vehicle, also a Toyota Axio, was found abandoned in a hospital parking yard and later towed to Migosi Police Station.

Further inquiries led officers to a second location in Aliwa Village, connected to one of the suspects, Michael Eric Mwanga. At the site, police discovered a makeshift garage containing dismantled number plates, stereo systems, and other car parts. 

Investigators believe the group was modifying the vehicles’ identities to enable their illegal resale. One of the number plates matched a previously recovered vehicle at Kaego Junction, according to a police report.

Three individuals have been taken into custody. Mwanga, 32, and Peter Andei, 37, were arrested in the early hours of 6 October and are being held at Migosi Police Station. 

The suspected leader, Evans Otieno Meda, was arrested the following day and is currently detained at Kisumu Central Police Station. Meda is believed to own both properties where the stolen vehicles were found and is suspected of organising the storage and movement of the cars.

The suspects appeared before Principal Magistrate Dennis Ogal at Winam Court on 8 October. Each was granted bail of Sh500,000 with a similar surety. Prosecutors had requested a 21-day detention period to allow further investigations, but the court ruled that the offences were bailable and the request was excessive. 

Meda was ordered to remain in custody for an additional ten days to allow the completion of investigations. Formal charges are expected to be filed by 13 October.

Kisumu County Commissioner Benson Leparmorijo commended residents for their cooperation, saying the public had provided crucial information about suspicious movements near Kaego Junction and Aliwa Village. He noted that the alerts from the community significantly contributed to the recovery of the vehicles.

This operation follows a similar case in Nyamasaria two months ago, where police intercepted a syndicate dealing in high-end vehicles, including Mercedes-Benz and BMW models. It also comes amid ongoing investigations into alleged police misconduct, including the reported theft of an impounded luxury car at Maseno Police Station.