According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspect had been on their watchlist for months after several cases were reported at police stations in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and even across the border in Tanzania.
Victims said they were offered snacks or soft drinks by strangers during their journey, only to wake up hours later without money, phones, or other valuables.
The man’s arrest took place at the Mariakani Weighbridge in Kilifi County.
Detectives had received intelligence that he was traveling on a Nairobi-bound bus with the intention of striking again.
Officers intercepted the bus and apprehended him before he could carry out his plan.
A search revealed packets of sedative tablets, bottled drinks, and snacks suspected to have been laced with drugs.
Police say the evidence matches reports from previous victims who described blacking out after consuming similar items during their trips.
Investigators now believe the man could be linked to dozens of unsolved cases of stupefying and theft that left passengers stranded and traumatized.
He is currently being held in custody and will be arraigned once investigations are complete.
Authorities have urged Kenyans to remain alert when traveling, especially on long-distance buses.
They cautioned passengers against accepting food or drinks from people they do not know.
“These criminals take advantage of the kindness of travelers. If someone you don’t know offers you snacks or drinks on a bus, politely decline,” one officer said.
The DCI explained that the drugs used in such crimes are strong sedatives that slow down brain activity. Once mixed into food or beverages, they can cause dizziness, confusion, or unconsciousness within minutes.
Victims often suffer memory loss, making it difficult to identify their attackers. In severe cases, overdoses may cause breathing problems or even death.
The arrest has been welcomed by passengers and bus operators, who say the spate of drugging incidents had created fear and mistrust during travel.
Police have assured the public that more operations will be carried out to dismantle criminal networks involved in similar schemes.
The suspect will remain in custody as detectives piece together evidence to connect him to previous cases reported across the country.
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