Rwanda National Police (RNP) yesterday handed over two vehicles to Kenyan authorities, which were reported stolen from Nairobi with an intention of smuggling them into the DR Congo through Rwanda.

They were intercepted just before they completed their journey to their potential destination.

The cars, including a Fuso truck and a Nisan Jeep, were handed over on February 5 by Commissioner for Interpol, Assistant Commissioner of Police Tony Kuramba, and received by Chief Inspector Joe Lele, from Kenya Police Services.

In an interview with journalists, Chief Inspector Lele commended RNP for the intervention.

"We have worked closely with Rwanda and I wish to thank RNP for its swift response whenever we relay our message to them. Combating cross-border crimes is in the spirit of the East African Community and Rwanda serves as an example of a good partner,” he said.

He said the cars had been violently taken from their owners who are eager to get them back.

"Kenyans are grateful and are aware that RNP serves the interest of all citizens in the region. We will continue working closely to deliver justice for our people,” he added.

RNP Spokesperson Chief Superintendent of Police Celestin Twahirwa said the cars were reportedly stolen from Nairobi through the I-24/7 Interpol tool, which enables officers in the region to share information on fugitives and cross border crimes.

"The Fuso truck was first taken to Uganda where it was given new documents and a new number plate, before making the trip to Rwanda.

It was later impounded at the Rusizi border. The jeep was also stolen from Kenya and impounded at the Rwanda- DRC border town of Rubavu,” CSP Twahirwa said.

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