Police hunt masked gang who stole, held family hostage for hours in Spring Valley home raid

Crime scene

Police are investigating an incident in which a gang raided a private home in Spring Valley, Nairobi, holding a family hostage for hours before robbing them of cash and valuables.

The gang forced their way into a compound in Shanzu Gardens on Wednesday night as one family member was entering through the main gate, police said.

The victim said three men wearing face masks and armed with pistols and a rifle emerged and ordered those in the car to get out.

They then led them into the house, where they detained other occupants in one room before ransacking the home for about two hours.

The attackers stole Sh200,000 in cash, mobile phones, assorted jewellery, a CCTV server and other electronic items.

They later ordered the family members to get into a car parked at the compound and drove off.

The suspects headed towards Loresho but hit a security barrier, forcing them to turn back towards Waiyaki Way before diverting to Brookside Drive, where they abandoned the family and the car and escaped on foot.

Police visited the scene as part of ongoing investigations.

Meanwhile, police said they have intensified security operations in the city ahead of the festive season.

As part of the measures, the National Multi-Agency Command Centre (NMACC) has been activated to coordinate surveillance, intelligence sharing and rapid response before, during and after the festive period.

The centre is manned by officers from the Kenya Defence Forces, National Police Service, National Intelligence Service, Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forestry Service, National Youth Service and the National Government Administration.

Similar coordination centres have been activated at regional and county levels to enhance operational command and control.

The efforts are complemented by festive season operation orders by the National Police Service to ensure coordinated, intelligence-led security operations and effective maintenance of law and order across the country.

Officers deployed to provide enhanced security coverage have been drawn from the National Police Service, Kenya Prisons Service, Kenya Wildlife Service, Kenya Forestry Service, National Youth Service and the Kenya Coast Guard Service.

Officials said the teams have been stationed at all entry and exit points, including airports and border crossings, as well as high-traffic areas such as hotels, shopping malls, public beaches, tourist sites, central business districts, critical infrastructure installations, places of worship and entertainment venues.

They are supported by general duty officers and specialised units, while the Ministry of Defence is providing logistical and air support where required, as well as securing the country against external threats.

The National Transport and Safety Authority, in collaboration with the Traffic Police Department, has also launched a nationwide traffic operation to ease congestion and enhance road safety on major highways and urban roads.

Mobile courts will be deployed where necessary, alongside physical and electronic measures for deterrence and enforcement.