Two people have been arraigned in a Thika court for stealing a motorcycle as authorities intensify crackdown to dismantle motorbike theft syndicate.
Nelly Jemutai and Cecil Kiplimo committed the offence at Makongeni area in Thika West sub-county on February 23, 2026, where they stole the two-wheeler belonging to Watu Credit Limited. They were arrested by detectives on Saturday.
The duo appeared before Thika Senior Resident Magistrate Fredrick Koome where they were charged with stealing the motorcycle contrary to Section 278A of the Penal Code. They pleaded not guilty.
“On the 23rd Day of 2026 at Makongeni, Thika West sub-county Kiambu County, jointly with others not before court, stole motorcycle registration number KMGV 997V make Boxer Bajaj red in colour worth Ksh 194,470 the property of Watu Credit Limited,” read the charge.
The Magistrate freed the two suspects on a sh 200,000 bond with one surety of a similar amount or a cash bail of sh 200,000. The matter will be mentioned on April 10 while hearing was set on June 30,2026.
The matter comes amid a sharp rise in motorcycle theft in several parts of the country, a crime that is being perpetrated by a well organized syndicate.
The crime is characterized by well-organized syndicates, violent robberies, and the subsequent stripping of bikes for spare parts or illegal sale across borders.
Reports from the authorities indicate that criminal gangs often use women to pose as passengers to lure riders before stupefying them, or hire criminals to attack riders directly.
In the recent past, police have made huge strides in the fight against the criminal cartels who are operating trans-border trade of stolen motorcycles. In July 2024, police in Eldoret recovered 59 motorcycles and 35 engines in a single raid on a suspected illegal dealer’s premises.
Stolen bikes are often quickly dismantled for parts, with reports indicating a rise in the theft of components rather than just the entire vehicle. In 2024 alone, over 10,000 motorcycles were reported to have been stolen.
Those perpetrating the crime are reported to be targeting loaned motorbikes. There is a notable, high-profile concern regarding the theft of motorcycles purchased through asset financing companies like Watu Credit, with questions raised about how bikes equipped with trackers are stolen without a trace.
In retariation due to the rising theft and due to frustration, local riders have increasingly taken the law into their own hands, with incidents of suspected thieves being stoned or burned to death, such as in Narok and Nairobi.
Recent cases include the lynching of a suspect in Narok town in January this year, burning of two suspects in Nairobi in June 2025 and arrest of a mechanic in Machakos town who was disabling tracking devices in May last year.
Only about 15% of stolen vehicles (including motorcycles) are recovered. In response, Boda Boda associations are partnering with police to improve tracking and increase patrols in high-risk.
The authorities are however intensifying crackdowns in most affected regions including Nairobi, Central and parts of Western region. Police have increased patrols and are working with boda boda associations in installing advanced tracking systems as well as coming up with new regulations for the sector to curb the menace.
The Penal Code (Section 278A) dictates up to seven years imprisonment for stealing a motor vehicle.
