Four arrested in Machakos over robberies targeting hardware shops

Machakos County police have nabbed four suspects in connection with a string of brazen break-ins at hardware shops in Machakos town and the Joska neighbourhood. According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the arrested individuals — identified as Wycliffe Matheka Kithuku (also known as Uthex ), Jackson Wambua Mutinda, Cynthia Mbithe Musyoka, and Brian Wambua Manza — were rounded up in a sting operation earlier this week. Citizen Digital
During the operation, detectives recovered key evidence linking the suspects to the robberies. These included a motorcycle bearing the registration number KMGP 114M, reportedly used as a getaway vehicle, as well as a bolt cutter and a large metal rod, weapons allegedly used to intimidate watchmen during the break-ins. Citizen Digital In a dramatic twist, Manza led investigators to a scrap metal dealer who was holding a stash of stolen goods from a Joska hardware store — among them 200 kilograms of nails, 25 kilograms of hoop iron, and a laptop. Citizen Digital
Further details from the DCI reveal that three of the suspects — Kithuku, Mutinda, and Manza — are former inmates at Machakos G.K. Prison, recently released before the crimes took place. Citizen Digital The four now remain in custody, awaiting formal arraignment as the evidence continues to be processed. Citizen Digital
The arrests have sparked relief among hardware business owners in Machakos, many of whom had been struggling with repeated losses from escalating thefts. The recovery of such a large quantity of stolen goods underscores the scale of the operation and suggests the break-ins were not random acts, but part of an organised criminal ring. Security authorities say the case could serve as a deterrent to other would-be thieves, while reinforcing the importance of vigilance and tighter surveillance in vulnerable commercial areas.