At least 120 suspects linked to the machete-wielding gang known as “Panga Boys” have been arrested in a major police operation in Kwale County.
Authorities launched the crackdown after the gang attacked and robbed residents in Diani last week.
Police revealed that 63 of the suspects have already been taken to court. Another 33 remain in custody, with police securing a 14-day detention order for further investigations. Sixteen more suspects are set to be arraigned on Tuesday.
During the operation, police recovered seven machetes believed to have been used in the attacks. Officers also seized 18 rolls of bhang and several mobile phones.
Msambweni Sub-County Police Commander Robinson Lang’at assured residents that security forces are determined to dismantle the gang. He urged beach operators to clear the beaches by 6 pm as a precautionary measure.
“We are here to serve the public, and we assure them all is under control for now as we continue tracking down the gang,” Lang’at stated.
Police say multiple security agencies have joined the operation to ensure the complete dismantling of the criminal network. Investigations have so far revealed the identities of more gang members who remain at large.
Last week, prosecutors successfully obtained a court order to detain 33 suspects under the Prevention of Organized Crime Act, 2010. Authorities accuse them of terrorizing Diani residents through violent attacks.
The crackdown is expected to continue in the coming days as security agencies intensify their efforts to restore safety in the region.
