The National Police Service has arrested several suspects
believed to be members of an armed gang that has been terrorising residents of
Kajiado County.
According to police, the crackdown began on September 4 and
led to the interception of a vehicle carrying suspects who were reportedly on a
surveillance mission. Officers recovered a walkie-talkie, assorted SIM cards,
mobile phones, and surgical gloves suspected to have been used in criminal
activities.
The operation was later extended to Kiserian township in
Kajiado, where another suspect was apprehended.
A subsequent raid on the premises resulted in the recovery
of an AK-47 rifle loaded with ammunition, a walkie-talkie, several mobile
phones, a tear gas canister, and assorted housebreaking tools.
“All suspects remain in custody awaiting further police
action as investigations continue,” senior police officers said in a statement.
The National Police Service commended officers involved in
the operation for their commitment to dismantling organised criminal groups in
the region.
They further urged members of the public to remain vigilant
and report suspicious activities through the toll-free numbers 999, 911, and
112, or via 0800 722 203.
Reports can also be shared on WhatsApp through 0709 570 00.
This comes as at least 80 suspects were arrested in an
operation targeting a new crop of muggers who have invaded parts of Nairobi
City Centre.
Police said the suspects were arrested on Wednesday in the
exercise and vowed it would continue for days to get rid of the new gang.
Some of the attackers are said to be street children who
have been using human waste as a tool to rob their targets.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Sedah said they
have dispatched teams to patrol the city and address the menace.
“It is under control, and the teams have so far managed to
nab 80 suspects who are under interrogation for more. We have sent more teams,
including those from the county government, to join in the operation,” he said.
On Wednesday, 3rd September, Nairobi County announced a
joint crackdown with the National Police Service on the criminal elements after
the alleged surge in mugging incidents.
Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria made the
announcement following widespread social media outcry and disturbing video
testimonies from citizens who alleged to have fallen victim to robberies.
According to several victims, these youthful criminal gangs
have been operating around the Hilton roundabout, down the entirety of Tom
Mboya Street, with others camping several metres away from the Galitos
restaurant, from where they launch their attacks or stealthily follow their
victims in the evening and late at night.
