The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has apprehended eight suspects who have been associated with violent attacks and burglaries in Nairobi, Nakuru, and Mombasa, among other regions.
In a statement on Tuesday, September 2, the detectives confirmed that the eight were arrested in Mtito Andei, Makueni County, after a coordinated operation led by the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB).
The eight, according to the detectives, have been linked to high-profile break-ins in Nyali, Mombasa, and also in several estates in Nairobi, including Dandora, Kenol, and Kariobangi.
In their latest attack, the individuals, together with another group of 25-30 armed individuals, stormed Century Mabati Ltd in Nakuru, where they managed to loot steel coils, machinery, and a tuk-tuk, according to the detectives.
"A well-coordinated operation by the CRIB, supported by the DCI Headquarters Operations Team, has led to the arrest of eight suspects in Mtito Andei, Makueni County. The suspects are believed to be part of a violent robbery syndicate that has been terrorising several regions across the country," DCI stated.
"For months, the gang had been on detectives’ radar, linked to a string of violent attacks and burglaries in Nairobi, Nakuru, and Mombasa. Their operations left behind a trail of loss and fear, with businesses suffering significant financial damage," it added.
Following the arrests, the security agencies managed to recover a Toyota Porte, which is suspected to have been used as a getaway vehicle, and crude weapons, among others.
"The suspects remain in custody as investigations continue. Authorities expect multiple charges to be filed, marking a significant step toward dismantling the organised crime ring," DCI stated.
The arrests come a day after the detectives announced the arrest of suspects who were caught stealing bags of lentils after breaking into a warehouse.
In a statement on Sunday, August 31, DCI claimed that the operation, which was coordinated by officers from Embakasi Sub-County, was made following a tip-off.
The four male suspects were caught red-handed by the police as they were loading bags of the legume into a lorry.
"A joint operation by law enforcement officers drawn from Embakasi Sub-County, working closely with members of the public, has led to the arrest of four suspects involved in a break-in at the Rama Homes godowns earlier today," DCI stated.
"Acting on a tip-off, the officers caught the suspects in the middle of loading bags of lentils onto a lorry. The scene was documented, and key evidence secured, while the suspects have since been taken into custody and processed pending arraignment," it added.
