Mombasa police have responded to the spread of false online rumors, confirming the arrest of Julius Muthoni (20) and Pius Kang’ethe Maina (29) on November 11, 2024, following an operation in which over Sh1.2 million worth of stolen goods were recovered.
The two suspects were arrested after a tip-off from members of the public, in the face of misleading reports suggesting they were involved in a break-in at President William Ruto’s Mombasa residence.
The rumors, which quickly gained traction online, falsely claimed that Muthoni and Maina had broken into the “State House” in Mombasa.
However, detectives have clarified that there is no truth to these allegations.
The two men were instead apprehended at the Rio Building along Digo Road in Mombasa’s Central Business District (CBD), during a targeted operation based on reliable information.
During the operation, police recovered a significant stash of stolen items, including 51 mobile phones, several laptops, and other electronic devices.
The total value of the recovered goods is estimated to exceed Sh1.2 million.
According to a spokesperson from the Mombasa police, the suspects are believed to have been trafficking stolen property and handling these items illicitly.
Following their arrest, both Muthoni and Maina, along with the confiscated goods, were taken to the Central Police Station for processing.
Investigations are ongoing to trace the source of the stolen items and to determine whether the suspects are part of a larger criminal network.
In a public statement, police urged the public to ignore the unfounded rumors and praised the role of the community in assisting law enforcement.
“This operation is a testament to our ongoing efforts to crack down on the illegal trade of stolen goods,” a police spokesperson said.
“We encourage citizens to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities to help make Mombasa safer.”
Authorities have assured the public that the investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as new information comes to light.
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