Beyond the alluring nightlife in Kenya lies a dark world of syndicates that collect millions from unsuspecting victims by spiking their drinks with rice-like pellets normally referred to as mchele.
Rita Achieng made millions from the trade and lived a life befitting the top one percent. She was part of the syndicate of slain businessman Samuel Mugo Mugota who resided in Kasarani, Nairobi County.
Mugota made headlines in May 2022 after he was shot dead in broad daylight along Mirema Drive by a lone gunman.
After completing successful series of operations, Achieng ultimately found herself behind bars and serving a seven-year jail term.
Speaking to Inooro TV on Sunday, June 11, 2023, she recalled how a foiled operation at a local club in Nyeri County led to her arrest.
"On that fateful day, I booked a hotel in Nyeri and contacted my accomplice for details of the best clubs in the county. We agreed on (name withheld) club," she stated.
At night, Achieng alongside her friends arrived at the entertainment joint and encountered two men who became their target. Using her charm, she convinced the men to buy expensive drinks.
At a moment's notice, the ladies spiked the men's drinks and began the scheme.
"We found two elderly men at the club, drugged them and went to their house near Kagumo Teachers College. At 3:00 am, we robbed them of cash worth millions and called our third accomplice to plan our escape route."
"Unfortunately, we could not find a taxi driver and settled for a motorcycle rider. Minutes later, he arrived at the location drunk. As we headed to our hideout, we came across police officers on patrol who suspected something fishy. They frisked us and found the stolen items and cash. We were apprehended and taken into custody," she stated.
On May 30, 2022, Achieng and her accomplices were handed a seven-year sentence to serve as an example to other syndicates.
How the Syndicate Worked
Achieng revealed that their mandate was to acquire the victim's ATM cards and take them to Mugo who siphoned cash from the stolen cards.
"We would target high-esteemed clubs to lure the wealthy and rob them of their belongings. Our favourite locations were Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu. At times, we would take flights to other countries to target foreigners," she indicated.
Once Achieng and her team selected a target, they instilled a minor portion of the drug in their drink. Minutes later, the victim would appear tipsy and was willing to send funds or airtime. At this point, the ladies would be keen to read their PIN.
Prior to any operation, the syndicate used aliases from stolen Identification Cards. After stealing the phone, they would renew the SIM card line with the stolen IDs.
How They Chose Their Victims
Donning tailored designs, Achieng and her team had mastered the delicate art of attraction and seduction. With their garments acting as alluring signals, they drew unsuspecting victims by picking a strategic location at a club.
Afterward, they would order expensive drinks before settling in and waiting on their prey. The victims had to match a certain caliber including the style of dressing, type of phone as well as the type of car.
Point of Advice
"For men, when you go to the club, stop approaching and enticing strangers. You might end up facing dire consequences in the end. To the ladies in the syndicates, kindly refrain from trying to get these quick money-making schemes. They are detrimental to your life in general," she warned.
