Two foreign nationals arrested in Thika over stupefying incidence

Detectives in Thika have arrested two foreign nationals following a stupefying crime incident that has once again drawn attention to the growing menace of drug-facilitated offences in Kenya.

The suspects, from Middle East aged 56 and 40, were apprehended after allegedly attempting to execute the offence at a local mobile phone shop in Thika town.

According to investigators, the two posed as customers interested in purchasing a mobile phone, a move that immediately raised suspicion from the shopkeeper.

Police say the shop attendant became uneasy after recognising the pair as possible suspects in a similar theft that had occurred at a nearby shop about a month earlier.

Acting swiftly, the shopkeeper contacted a fellow trader in the area who had previously fallen victim to such a scheme.

“Quick on his feet, the shopkeeper dialled up his buddy, who, upon arrival, they confronted the duo,” the Directorate of Criminal Investigations said on X.

The DCI said the second shopkeeper positively identified the two foreigners, confirming that he had indeed been a victim of their alleged tactics a month earlier, during which he lost Sh15,000.

The confirmation heightened tension at the scene as members of the public gathered after an alarm was raised.

Witnesses said emotions ran high as residents threatened to mete out instant justice to the suspects, a common occurrence in cases involving suspected stupefying crimes.

However, police officers arrived in time and rescued the two men from a potential mob attack.

“The alarm was raised, and soon the public rallied to take matters into their own hands. Luckily, before chaos ensued, law enforcement swooped in to rescue the hapless foreigners from a potential mob injustice,” the DCI said.

The suspects are currently being held at Thika Police Station as detectives complete investigations and prepare to arraign them in court.

A “stupefying offence” refers to the crime of administering or attempting to administer a stupefying or overpowering drug or substance to a person with the intention of facilitating another crime.

The offence is treated as serious under Kenyan law and carries stiff penalties due to its intent to render a victim helpless.

Such crimes often involve spiking drinks or food with drugs to facilitate theft, sexual assault or robbery, particularly targeting unsuspecting revellers in entertainment joints. In serious cases, perpetrators can face lengthy prison sentences, including life imprisonment.

Kenya has in recent years grappled with a wave of stupefying crimes. The issue has been widely reported in major cities such as Nairobi, Nakuru and Mombasa, prompting repeated public safety alerts.

Police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant, avoid accepting drinks or food from strangers, and report suspicious behaviour promptly as investigations into the Thika incident continue.