DCI arrests Tanzanian couple in Mombasa over bus passenger drugging

A Tanzanian couple has been arrested in Mombasa after detectives recovered valuables allegedly stolen from a passenger who was drugged and rendered unconscious during a Dreamline bus journey from Nairobi to Mombasa.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the suspects, Pius Paskale Frugenze, 52, and his wife, Redempta Revelian Kuleta, 47, were arrested in Magongo following investigations into the September 18, 2026 incident.

According to the DCI, the passenger had boarded a Dreamline bus in Nairobi for Mombasa when the passenger seated next to him allegedly stupefied him, causing him to lose consciousness.

“Somewhere along the journey, the passenger seated next to him allegedly stupefied him, sending him into unconsciousness,” the DCI said.

𝗧𝗔𝗡𝗭𝗔𝗡𝗜𝗔𝗡 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗣𝗟𝗘 𝗕𝗘𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗗 𝗦𝗧𝗨𝗣𝗘𝗙𝗬𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗬𝗡𝗗𝗜𝗖𝗔𝗧𝗘 𝗔𝗥𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗗 𝗜𝗡 𝗠𝗢𝗠𝗕𝗔𝗦𝗔

A Tanzanian couple suspected of running a ruthless stupefying racket that preyed on unsuspecting bus passengers, drugging them and vanishing with their… pic.twitter.com/FkJHbBLDOs

— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) September 30, 2026

The victim later regained consciousness at Tudor Sub-County Hospital, where he discovered that his bag and other personal belongings were missing.

Detectives from Makupa Police Station immediately launched investigations into the incident. The DCI said forensic leads eventually directed investigators to Magongo, where they arrested the Tanzanian couple.

A search of the suspects’ house led to the recovery of an HP laptop and an iPhone 17 Pro Max belonging to the complainant, according to the DCI.

The recovery provided investigators with what the agency described as a “crucial breakthrough” in the case.

Detectives also recovered several other items suspected to have been stolen, including assorted mobile phones, 20 phone chargers, 10 wristwatches, 20 wallets and assorted clothing.

The DCI further said officers recovered substances suspected to be stupefying drugs.

“Detectives also recovered assorted mobile phones, 20 phone chargers, 10 wristwatches, 20 wallets and assorted clothing, all suspected to be stolen, alongside substances suspected of being stupefying drugs,” the agency said.

The suspects are currently in police custody undergoing processing pending arraignment in court.

The recovered electronic devices, personal effects and other items have been detained as exhibits as investigations continue.

The DCI did not state whether the suspects are linked to other reported cases involving passengers or whether additional victims have been identified.

The couple remains innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court.