Police in Garissa have arrested three teenagers accused of terrorising residents in a wave of robberies that has left the town reeling from insecurity over the past month.
The suspects aged between 14 and 16 — were apprehended in a targeted security operation led by senior chief Dekow Ahmed of Iftin East location, with the support of local administrators and residents. The suspects cannot be named because they are minors.
The teenagers are said to be part of a gang that has been violently attacking unsuspecting residents in broad daylight, robbing them of money and valuables before escaping on waiting motorbikes. Those who resisted were often left with stab wounds and other serious injuries.
On Wednesday, CCTV footage captured the trio violently robbing a man outside Express Mall in Garissa town. The widely circulated video showed them cornering their victim, snatching cash and a phone, before fleeing on a motorbike. The dazed victim was left standing, visibly shaken and unsure of what to do next.
The spate of attacks has triggered fear and panic in Garissa, with some businesses closing early and residents retreating to their homes before dark.
Addressing a baraza after the arrests, chief Dekow thanked residents for their cooperation and warned the involvement of children in violent crime should serve as a wake-up call.
“The involvement of these teenagers in crime should trouble the conscience of all of us. This is not just a government issue. Parents and guardians have an even bigger role in moulding their children into upright citizens,” he said.
Community elders echoed his concern. Hassan Mohamed, 60, from Bula Muzuri, described the trend as “deeply disturbing,” warning that youth crime, drug abuse and gang culture threaten to erode long-held values of discipline and respect.
“This trend endangers the future of our children and the safety of our community. It must be addressed urgently and collectively,” Mohamed said.
Mothers and guardians also spoke out. Ambia Hassan, a mother of six, urged parents to take a more active role in disciplining and mentoring their children. She urged religious leaders to use the pulpit to instil values of peace and moral uprightness.
The three suspects are being held at Garissa police station as investigations continue. Meanwhile, residents hope the arrests mark the beginning of a coordinated effort to restore safety and shield vulnerable youth from sliding further into crime.
Instant analysis
The arrest of three teenagers in Garissa for violent robberies exposes a worrying trend of rising youth involvement in serious crime. At just 14 to 16 years old, the suspects embody a broader crisis of unemployment, drug abuse and lack of parental guidance that leaves many young people vulnerable to gangs. The CCTV footage of their brazen attack shocked the public, underlining how insecurity has gripped the town and disrupted daily life. Community elders and parents now warn that this is not a policing problem alone—it is a social one. Unless tackled collectively, Garissa risks raising a lost generation.
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