A man who had been scamming travellers looking for holiday accommodation in Mombasa has been arrested, bringing relief to several people who had fallen victim to his tricks.
Detectives from Nyali Sub-County began tracking him after receiving complaints from frustrated travellers who had been duped while trying to book Airbnb apartments online.
Many of these people were simply looking for a peaceful break by the coast, only to have their plans fall apart because of one individual taking advantage of their trust.
One of the cases that led to the breakthrough happened on December 1, 2025. A Nairobi resident was planning a family beach holiday and had been browsing online listings for a suitable place to stay.
As he went through the options, he found a place advertised as “Brima Mangu Apartment 2B” in Mombasa. The photos showed a beautiful apartment, and everything appeared legitimate at first glance. When he contacted the person claiming to own the place, a man who introduced himself as Brian Masika, the conversation was smooth and convincing. They quickly agreed on a price of Sh6000 per night, which seemed reasonable for a holiday home near the beach.
Feeling confident, the man paid Sh24000 for four nights using the pay bill number that had been provided. The pictures, the tone of the conversation, and the promise of an enjoyable stay made everything seem genuine.
However, things took a different turn when he arrived in Mombasa on December 4, 2025. Every attempt to reach Masika failed. The phone went unanswered, and the supposed host could not be found.
It became clear that he had been scammed, leaving him stranded with his family and no accommodation.When detectives received the report, they immediately began tracing the suspect.
They followed forensic leads and identified where Masika had been operating from. The search eventually led them to his hideout, where he was arrested. He is now in custody as investigators complete the necessary processing before he is taken to court.
The arrest has offered some comfort to those affected, especially at a time when many people are travelling for the festive season. With more people looking for holiday deals online, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations has warned the public to be extra careful.
They have advised travellers to verify listings, check reviews, and avoid making payments before confirming that the property is real and the owner legitimate.
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