Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Wednesday shut down a company in Embakasi, Nairobi over suspected illegal operations.
Embakasi's commanding officer, who was leading the operations, confirmed that the police received a tipoff from the public who complained that the company was emitting dangerous chemicals into the air, posing a safety hazard.
The detectives, in the company of the county government officials, visited the company located in the Kiang'ombe area to establish the facts and get to the bottom of the matter.
During the operation, the police found out that the company deals in recycling and the collection of used electronics parts, mainly motherboards.
Detectives also established that the company was harbouring foreigners inside, which led to questions on what was the motive behind hosting them there.
"We issued a notice to the company on things they're supposed to comply with. I gave them 14 days to comply among them some foreigners residing in this facility and according to the law, this is an industrial hub and not a residential area," George Akenda, the Public Health Officer for Embakasi East Sub-County, told the press.
"The notice expired and as usual I will do a statement and forward it to the city court."
Further, police officers privy to the matter explained that they were in possession of the company's documents in order to ascertain their authenticity.
Police officers are also seeking to determine whether the company is using its business premises as a front to enable it to conduct clandestine activities behind the scenes.
"According to the reports we have seen, this company is dealing with recycling and collection of used parts of mobile phones mainly motherboards.
"So acting on intelligence reports, we managed to visit this place and we have moved around and seen what is inside. It will be subject to investigations."
According to the police, the company's owner defended the operations, explaining that she runs a legitimate business. She added that the documents are genuine and not questionable as claimed by the police.
"The motherboards are in large quantities and I understand the company has been in operation for 6 months and according to her, they are doing a genuine business," the officer added.
"If we find out that these motherboards are from phones stolen from the public, we will take action."
