Police arrest 28 suspected gang members in Nakuru raids

At least 28 suspected gang members have been arrested in a sweeping police crackdown targeting criminal networks in Nakuru East.

In a statement on Saturday, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the multi-phase operation was intelligence-led and aimed at dismantling gangs accused of terrorising residents in parts of Nakuru.

The operation began in Kaloleni Estate, where officers raided a cramped one-room house and arrested 12 suspects who were allegedly in the midst of planning criminal activities.

Authorities believe the group is part of a broader network coordinating attacks within the sub-county.

"A police dragnet has descended on criminal gangs wreaking havoc in Nakuru East Sub-County, with officers swooping in on multiple hideouts and rounding up key suspects," the agency stated.

In a follow-up operation within the same estate, four additional suspects were arrested in another den, bringing the total number of arrests in Kaloleni to 16.

Police later extended the crackdown to Freehold Estate, where four more suspects were cornered and arrested as the dragnet widened across areas believed to harbour criminal elements.

"In a further sweep, eight more suspects were rounded up at the busy Railway Stage area, tightening the noose on a network believed to have been terrorising residents across Nakuru East and its surroundings," DCI said.

The agency said the suspects are in custody and are undergoing processing ahead of their arraignment.

It added that the operation forms part of a broader strategy by the National Police Service to curb rising cases of gang-related crime in urban centres.

“Through intelligence-led operations, the National Police Service reaffirms its commitment to dismantling criminal gangs and ensuring public safety nationwide,” the statement read.

Security agencies have urged members of the public to continue sharing information that could assist ongoing investigations and future operations.

The DCI called on citizens to report suspicious activities through its anonymous reporting channels, including the toll-free number 0800 722 203 and WhatsApp line 0709 570 000.

“Usiogope,” the agency urged, emphasising the importance of public cooperation in the fight against crime.

The announcement comes a week after Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said intelligence-led patrols had been intensified to curb crime in the city. He said at least 84 suspected goons had been arrested in recent operations in Nairobi.

"In Nairobi, we have arrested a total of 84 suspected gang members and goons. These include different types of criminal groups: 48 are linked to motorcycle gangs and goons, while 11 are land-based gangs, some of whom were found with weapons, including bows and arrows," he said.