Police arrest another suspected member of robbery spree

Detectives have arrested another suspected member of a robbery syndicate that is believed to have been terrorising wines and spirits traders across Kajiado, Kiambu, and Nairobi counties.

The suspect, described by investigators as a close ally of the alleged mastermind behind the criminal network, was apprehended following days of sustained surveillance and intelligence-led operations.

Ina statement, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said officers drawn from their headquarters tracked him down to a hideout.

"After days of painstaking investigations and follow-up on intelligence leads, detectives drawn from DCI Headquarters smoked the suspect out of his hideout in Kasarani, where he had holed up after some of his associates were arrested last week," the statement said.

Authorities say the arrest marks a significant breakthrough in efforts to dismantle a gang believed to be behind a string of robbery with violence and murder incidents that have left traders living in fear.

The attacks, which targeted wines and spirits outlets, were characterised by brazen raids, threats and, in some cases, fatal outcomes.

According to investigators, the suspect is believed to have played a key role in coordinating operations on the ground, working closely with the network’s alleged ringleader.

Detectives have also linked the group to a kidnapping syndicate operating within the same counties.

"The suspect, together with other accomplices who are still at large, is also linked to a kidnapping gang that detectives are determined to dismantle to ensure justice for the victims," the agency said.

Police said the suspect is currently in custody undergoing processing and will be arraigned in court once investigations are complete.

They added that efforts to track down and apprehend other accomplices still at large are ongoing.

The operation comes a week after three other suspects believed to be key members of the criminal gang behind a series of armed robberies were apprehended.

The arrests came after a recent surge in robbery-with-violence incidents, during which traders in alcoholic beverages reported repeated attacks involving theft, property damage, and, in some cases, loss of life.

According to a statement by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects were apprehended during coordinated operations in multiple locations following intelligence-led investigations.

Two of the suspects, described by detectives as ringleaders, were arrested at separate hideouts in Ruiru and Juja. A third suspect, linked to the same network, was arrested in Nakuru.

Police said the gang is believed to have terrorised traders by staging night attacks on liquor outlets, using crude weapons to overpower guards and steal money and alcohol.

The suspects allegedly targeted premises across county borders, a tactic investigators say was meant to frustrate tracking efforts.

During the arrests, detectives recovered three motor vehicles believed to have been used to transport stolen goods.