Arrest IllustrationDetectives have arrested a man suspected of taking part in an armed robbery that disrupted a women's chama meeting in Nairobi last month, as police continue intelligence-led operations targeting violent crime in the city.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said officers from Kayole Police Station arrested the suspect during an operation in Korogocho following investigations into the July 26 robbery.
According to the DCI, two armed men stormed a salon where women had gathered for a chama meeting and robbed them of about Sh50,000 and several mobile phones.
Police said the meeting, which had begun peacefully, turned chaotic after the attackers entered the premises armed with a pistol and ordered those present to surrender their valuables.
During the operation, detectives recovered a motorcycle believed to have been used in the robbery and two knives, which have been retained as exhibits as investigations continue.
"The suspect is currently undergoing processing ahead of his arraignment. Meanwhile, detectives are pursuing additional leads to trail and apprehend the remaining suspect who is still at large," the DCI said.
Investigators have launched a manhunt for the second suspect, who remains at large.
The arrest comes as security agencies continue operations targeting robbery, phone snatching and other street crimes across Nairobi.
Last week, police arrested two suspects believed to be part of a phone-snatching syndicate during routine patrols along Digo Road.
Police said the arrests followed sustained patrols by officers from Shauri Moyo Police Station aimed at disrupting criminal activities in Gikomba and surrounding areas, which have experienced repeated cases of mobile phone theft targeting traders, commuters and pedestrians.
During the operation, officers recovered five mobile phones suspected to have been stolen from members of the public.
Police later said three victims had positively identified and reclaimed their phones as investigations continued to establish whether the suspects were linked to other reported theft cases.
"The National Police Service remains steadfast in its efforts to combat crime through sustained patrols, intelligence-led operations and swift responses to criminal activity," the National Police Service said following the arrests.
The DCI urged members of the public to continue sharing information that could assist investigators in tracking down suspects, saying community cooperation remains critical in combating crime.
Police also encouraged victims and witnesses of criminal incidents to report cases promptly to facilitate investigations and speed up the arrest of suspects.
