Wanted City Thugs Hatch New Strategy to Rob & Evade Arrest

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An undated image of police sealing off a road in Nairobi during a past raid.
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City thieves have devised new strategies to rob unsuspecting victims and at the same time evade police arrests. 

Reports suggest that Mombasa County criminals fully impersonate police officers, from uniform to work equipment. 

They also allegedly engage with law enforcers who are less likely to suspect them.

The thugs purchase electro-shock weapons, with 4.5 voltage. These weapons are used to destabilise victims before they are robbed or assaulted. 

Items recovered from suspected thugs in Isinya, Kajiado County on Thursday, February 20
Items recovered from suspected thugs in Isinya, Kajiado County on Thursday, February 20
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They reportedly purchase the police regalia for as low as Ksh 1,200 per item.

Others items easily purchased are military jackets at Ksh 800, walkie-talkies and police jackets at Ksh 350. 

An investigation by Daily Nation also shed light on the intrigues surrounding the new blue uniforms following an uproar by law enforcers.

Police lamented over prices (between Ksh 3,000 and Ksh 5,000) and shortage of the new uniforms. They reportedly opted for cheap tailor-made ones from estate fundis (tailors). 

Most of the police purchased their uniform from Kawangware, Huruma and the famous Luthuli Avenue in Nairobi CBD. This highlights how easily one can access such attire. 

The Directorate of Criminal Investigation has enhanced its crackdown on impersonators and fake police officers. On July 18, one suspect was apprehended in Parklands, Nairobi.

Police recovered a Ceska pistol, 27 rounds of ammunition, military smoke jacket, two empty magazines, two walkie talkies, white bulletproof vest, a pair of handcuffs, several rolls of suspected bhang and several badges. 

In August, an impersonator from Interior CS Fred Matiang' is docket was also arrested. These suspects were accused of awarding fake tenders and leading a syndicate. 

 

Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i inspects a guard of honour during a passing out parade for 1,224 officers in December 2019
Former Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiang'i inspects a guard of honour during a passing out parade for 1,224 officers in December 2019
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