Police arrest Tanzanian couple over stupefying syndicate in Mombasa

A Tanzanian couple was apprehended in Mombasa for their alleged involvement in a nefarious scheme that targeted unsuspecting bus passengers, administering substances to render them unconscious and subsequently stealing their belongings. The incident came to light on September 18, 2026, following a report from a passenger who claimed to have been drugged during a Dreamline bus journey from Nairobi to Mombasa.

Upon regaining consciousness, the passenger discovered his bag and personal belongings missing from his hospital bed at Tudor Sub-County Hospital. Detective work led them to Magongo, where they arrested Pius Paskale Frugenze, 52, and his wife, Redempta Revelian Kuleta, 47, both Tanzanian citizens. Their house yielded the victim's HP laptop and iPhone 17 Pro Max, as well as various stolen items including mobile phones, chargers, watches, wallets, and clothing.

Police also recovered suspected stupefying substances. The couple is currently in custody awaiting arraignment, while the recovered items have been held as evidence. Separately, a Mombasa court convicted a banker, Hannington Muthoka, of attempted murder for allegedly stabbing his former lover, Elizabeth Shigari Bana, three times in September 2023.

Muthoka was found guilty of intending to unlawfully cause Bana's death, despite his claims of consensual involvement. The court will continue on October 12, 2026, to hear further arguments related to his sentencing.