Daring Thieves Strip KSh 35M Lexus in Kirinyaga: A Chilling Wake-Up Call for Vehicle Owners
A luxury Lexus valued at KSh 35 million was brazenly stripped of its spare parts in Kiamuthambi, Kirinyaga County, leaving the female owner devastated after she and her friend were allegedly drugged.
This shocking incident highlights the audacious tactics of modern car criminals targeting high-end vehicles.
Incident Details
Suspects broke into the owner’s home at night, spraying an unknown substance into the bedroom to incapacitate Muriuki and her companion while they slept.
According to family members, including John Muriuki Kiama and Anne Mwaniki, more than 20 armed suspects arrived at the well-fenced homestead in two vehicles in the dead of night.
They then towed the new-model Lexus 600 to a secluded spot and methodically dismantled valuable components like wheels, engines, and electronics for the black market.
The car, a symbol of affluence, was reduced to a shell in hours, underscoring the precision of these stripping syndicates.
The gang reportedly overpowered the watchman, Anthony Namanda, tying him up before gaining access to the house.
Namanda, who was on duty at the time, said the suspects appeared well-organized and knew exactly what they were looking for. “They came in quietly and tied me up before I could even react,” he said.
The suspects are said to have drugged Muriuki and her female friend by spraying an unknown substance into their bedroom while they slept. They then proceeded to strip the Lexus of its spare parts, making away with the valuables between midnight and 4 am
The victims only regained consciousness at about 9 am the following day while in hospital, where they discovered what had happened.
“This is the first time I’ve seen a vehicle stripped of its spare parts. I’ve owned vehicles for over 40 years, but I’ve never seen anything like this,” said Kiama.
Residents suspect the thieves were not locals but experts from Nairobi familiar with high-end vehicles.
“Who knows about these vehicles in Kirinyaga? These people are experts. They stripped every part,” said Mwaniki, echoing the sentiments of many in the community.
Broader Context of Car Crime in Kenya
Vehicle stripping and theft have surged across Kenya, with Kirinyaga emerging as a hotspot amid rising reports of organized gangs using drugs and gadgets to bypass security.
Similar cases in Kilifi saw arrests of thieves stealing KSh 17 million in parts from bank customers’ cars, revealing nationwide networks smuggling parts regionally.
In Nairobi and Mombasa, fraudsters pair stripping with fake gold scams or cross-border sales, exploiting weak rural policing.
Implications for Safety
This robbery exposes vulnerabilities in high-value car ownership, where even fortified homes and alarms fail against chemical incapacitation.
Kenyan authorities urge tracker installations, community watches, and night patrols, as public tips have led to busts like the Kilifi syndicate.
Rising incidents could deter luxury imports and fuel insurance hikes, impacting the economy.
Police Response and Outlook
Kirinyaga police are investigating, but no arrests are confirmed yet, echoing past successes where resident vigilance aided recoveries.
DCI warns of escalating tactics like stupefying gases, calling for multi-agency crackdowns to dismantle these profitable rackets.As cases proliferate, heightened awareness may curb the trend before it spirals further