A Tanzanian couple, Pius Paskale Frugenze, 52, and his wife, Redempta Revelian Kuleta, 47, have been arrested in Mombasa, Kenya, on allegations of drugging and stealing from bus passengers. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) reported that the suspects were arrested in Magongo following an investigation into a theft incident on a Dreamliner bus traveling from Nairobi to Mombasa. The incident occurred on September 18, 2026.
According to the DCI, the passenger who was allegedly drugged and robbed had boarded the bus in Nairobi and was seated next to another traveler who gave him a substance that left him unconscious during the trip. The passenger regained consciousness at Tudor Sub-County Hospital, where he discovered that his bag and personal belongings were missing. This prompted detectives from Makupa Police Station to start investigations.
The investigation led detectives to Magongo, where they arrested Frugenze and Kuleta. A search of their house resulted in the recovery of an HP laptop and an iPhone 17 Pro Max, identified as property belonging to the complainant. The recovered items provided a major breakthrough in the case. The DCI detained the recovered items as exhibits as investigations continue.
During the search of the couple's house, officers found several other items suspected to have been stolen from different victims. These included mobile phones, 20 phone chargers, 10 wristwatches, 20 wallets, and assorted clothing. Detectives also recovered substances suspected to be stupefying drugs. The DCI said all the recovered items had been detained as exhibits.
The two suspects, both Tanzanian nationals, remained in custody as detectives completed the necessary processing ahead of their arraignment in court. The investigation has raised concerns over the safety of passengers using long-distance public transport, particularly when traveling alongside people they do not know.
The DCI urged members of the public who may have information about suspected criminal activity to report it anonymously through its toll-free number 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp number 0709 570 000. The public transport sector has been urged to enhance security measures to prevent such incidents.
The case highlights the need for vigilance and cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public to combat crime. The DCI's efforts in solving the case demonstrate its commitment to ensuring public safety. The suspects' arrest brings relief to the affected passengers and the general public.
Key points
- The suspects, Pius Paskale Frugenze and Redempta Revelian Kuleta, were arrested in Magongo, Mombasa.
- The recovered items included an HP laptop, an iPhone 17 Pro Max, mobile phones, and assorted clothing.
- The DCI urges the public to report suspected criminal activity anonymously.
