Detectives have arrested another suspected member of a criminal gang believed to have terrorised wines and spirits traders across Kajiado, Kiambu, and Nairobi counties in a series of violent robberies.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed the arrest, describing it as a major breakthrough in ongoing efforts to dismantle a coordinated criminal network linked to robbery-with-violence and kidnapping incidents in the region.
According to investigators, the suspect — described as a close associate of the alleged mastermind — was apprehended after days of sustained surveillance and intelligence-led operations conducted by officers from DCI headquarters. Detectives tracked him to a hideout in Kasarani, where he had reportedly gone into hiding following the arrest of several accomplices last week.
Police say the gang has been behind a wave of attacks targeting wines and spirits outlets, leaving traders counting heavy losses and living in fear. The robberies were reportedly characterised by coordinated night raids, threats against workers, and in some cases fatal outcomes.
Authorities believe the suspect played a significant role in coordinating operations on the ground, working closely with the network’s leadership to plan attacks across county borders. Investigators say the gang deliberately operated in multiple counties to complicate police tracking and evade arrest.
The DCI further linked the group to a kidnapping syndicate operating within the same regions, noting that investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of the criminal network.
“The suspect, together with accomplices still at large, is linked to a kidnapping gang that detectives are determined to dismantle to ensure justice for victims,” the agency said in a statement.
The suspect remains in police custody undergoing processing and is expected to be arraigned in court once investigations are complete. Detectives have intensified operations to track down other members believed to be on the run.
The latest arrest follows coordinated security operations conducted last week that led to the capture of three other suspects in Ruiru, Juja, and Nakuru. During those operations, officers recovered three motor vehicles believed to have been used to transport stolen goods.
Police say the crackdown comes amid a recent surge in robbery-with-violence cases targeting liquor businesses, prompting enhanced surveillance and intelligence sharing among security agencies.
Authorities have assured traders and residents that security operations will continue until all members of the syndicate are apprehended, urging the public to report suspicious activities as investigations progress.
