Police in Kilifi County on Monday arrested two managers of scrap metal yards suspected of buying stolen motorcycles.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), the operation was launched following persistent complaints from members of the public about rogue scrap dealers accused of fueling theft of motorcycles in the area.
Officers from Mtwapa Police Station conducted the operation on June 2, 2025, in the Majengo area, acting on a tipoff from locals.
During the raid, two scrap metal yards were searched, and one complete motorcycle and several dismantled parts stashed inside plastic sacks were recovered.
The two managers of the targeted yards were apprehended at the scene and are currently in police custody pending processing and arraignment in court.
''A thorough search led to the recovery of one motorcycle and several motorcycle parts, which had been concealed in plastic sacks. Two managers of the respective yards were arrested and remain in police custody pending processing and court arraignment,'' the police report read in part.
Police have since launched further investigations to dismantle what they believe may be a wider syndicate involved in the theft and illegal sale of motorcycles.
The scrap metal sector has long posed a challenge to the government’s efforts to streamline the industry and curb theft and vandalism.
However, on January 28, the Scrap Metal Council faulted the Cabinet’s decision to earmark the council for a merger.
Stakeholders warned that such a move could trigger a resurgence in unlawful activities, arguing that the council has played a vital role in regulating the trade.
The association further criticised the proposal, terming it a major setback to ongoing reforms aimed at bringing order to the scrap metal industry.
Among the Council’s key achievements is its sustained crackdown on illegal scrap metal trade, which had previously contributed to the vandalism of critical infrastructure such as power lines and railway tracks.
Meanwhile, the NPS has urged members of the public to continue providing information that can help curb criminal activities in their neighbourhoods.
