A serving police officer has been arrested and arraigned at the Kibera Law Courts over his alleged involvement in a motor vehicle theft syndicate operating in Nairobi.
Willis Omondi Onduru was arrested on October 2, 2026, at Maji House following a months-long investigation by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Kilimani.
The investigation began after the theft of a Toyota Vitz belonging to Phoebe Atieno Otieno on August 15, 2026.
Otieno had parked the light green vehicle, registration number KBL 732Q, outside the RFUEA grounds along Ngong Road while attending a rugby match. When she returned later that evening, she discovered that the vehicle, valued at about KSh655,000, was missing.
She reported the matter at Jamhuri Police Station and later shared details of the stolen vehicle on social media in an effort to recover it.
Stolen Toyota Vitz tracked to Utawala
Members of the public later spotted the vehicle in Utawala, prompting Otieno’s brother and friends to track it to Malaa Shopping Centre along Kangundo Road.
However, an unidentified person reportedly drove away in the vehicle before responding police officers could secure it.
The investigation took a new turn in September when Otieno spotted the stolen vehicle being advertised for sale on Facebook Marketplace.
The vehicle had allegedly been repainted from light green to white and fitted with registration number KBA 625M. Otieno nevertheless identified it through its customised headlights and other distinctive features.
Detectives from Kilimani then organised a sting operation in which an alleged accomplice, Edward Karanja Ngugi, posed as a prospective buyer.
Ngugi arranged to meet the seller at Pangani Shopping Centre on September 17, 2026. The seller was arrested during a staged road test, leading to the recovery of the vehicle.
Investigators trace documents to police officer
According to court documents, the suspect was allegedly found with forged vehicle documents, including a Motor Vehicle Sale Agreement dated September 3, 2026, and a doctored logbook.
Investigators subsequently traced the documentation and electronic trail to Onduru.
Sergeant David Kung’u, the investigating officer, presented a supporting affidavit to the Chief Magistrate’s Court, paving the way for Onduru’s arrest at Maji House.
The prosecution is seeking custodial orders, arguing that Onduru’s position as a serving police officer gives him knowledge of police procedures and investigative structures that could enable him to interfere with witnesses.
Prosecutors also told the court that several people linked to the alleged fraudulent vehicle transaction remain at large.
The prosecution further raised concerns over Onduru’s place of residence, saying it had not been satisfactorily verified and that he could potentially abscond.
Officer faces motor vehicle theft charge
Onduru faces a charge of stealing a motor vehicle contrary to Section 278(A) of the Penal Code.
The offence carries a maximum sentence of seven years’ imprisonment upon conviction.
The Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) has requested at least five days to complete its investigations and determine whether additional or more serious charges will be brought against the officer.
Meanwhile, the DCI is continuing investigations into the alleged syndicate, including tracing the electronic and documentary trail linked to the theft and attempted sale of the Toyota Vitz.
Onduru is presumed innocent until proven guilty in court.
