“It’s Not Witchcraft”: Nairobi Thief Narrates How the Devil’s Breath Works

A suspected thief arrested in Nairobi has allegedly revealed how thieves use a substance known as “Devil’s Breath” to confuse victims and steal their valuables.

In a video circulating on social media, the suspect is seen explaining the alleged trick while demonstrating how the substance is reportedly concealed under the fingernails.

The substance referred to in the video as “Devil’s Breath” is commonly associated with scopolamine, a medication that has legitimate medical uses, but exposure to inappropriate amounts can cause adverse effects, including confusion and memory-related problems.

How Thieves Allegedly Use the Substance, “Devil’s Breath,” to Steal

According to the suspect’s account, the substance is allegedly prepared before being placed under the fingernails.

He claimed that a thief can then approach a target and initiate contact, including through a handshake.

The suspect also alleged that after the contact, the victim may become confused and hand over valuables to the thief.

“You see, when you put this, it can get under the fingernails… then you greet someone, and whatever they have, you want them to just give it to you,” the suspect said.

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Meanwhile, claims also suggest that the alleged method is used mostly on passengers travelling in matatus.

Reports state that a suspect may sit next to a potential victim, start a conversation, and eventually make physical contact.

Thereafter, the targeted individual will then get confused and lose protection of their belongings, hence the theft.

“At times, they target people in Matatus… someone sits beside you, starts talking to you… touches you, and you get confused and give them your belongings,” the post claimed.

The alleged method is said to rely on the victim becoming confused rather than the thief forcibly taking the person’s belongings.

It is also linked to thefts targeting businesses, including M-Pesa shops and electronics outlets

Nairobi Residents Share Their Experiences Following This Trick

The video has sparked reactions from Kenyans online, with some claiming they or people they know have experienced similar incidents where their belongings have been stolen in such a manner.

Gmie Muiruri said that his relative encountered the suspected criminals along Katani Road and lost valuables from both an M-Pesa account and a SACCO.

“Mukuru wangu last week alikutana nao Katani Road wakamuibia kila kitu kwa Mpesa na SACCO,” he wrote.

Also Read: They Turned Them Into Teletubbies;: Thieves Taught a Lesson as Locals Fully Wrap Them in Tapes

Another Kenyan, Jack, claimed that he had previously experienced the incident, saying he handed over two phones, their passcodes and an M-Pesa PIN before only realising what had happened several hours later.

“I gave out two phones, my passcodes and one M-Pesa PIN. Nilijielewa like six hours later, bana, in another town,” he wrote.

In addition, another Kenyan said the alleged handshake tactic had made them more cautious about physical contact with strangers.

“The handshake thing is why I stopped letting strangers touch me at all. People think you’re rude but I’d rather be rude than wake up confused and broke,” the user wrote.

The claims have also prompted questions online about whether the alleged substance would affect the people using it or it was meant to affect those administered to it.

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Photo showing “Devil’s Breath” , the substance thieves use to steal from residents in Nairobi. Photo/ File