By Bonface Mulyungi
A major relief has swept through Kajiado County, Kiambu County and Nairobi following the arrest of key suspects linked to a series of violent robberies and murders targeting traders in recent weeks.
For months, wines and spirits outlets in these areas operated under fear.
A gang armed with crude weapons struck swiftly, dispossessing traders of cash and stock. Premises were vandalised, and some incidents left communities traumatised.
What initially seemed like isolated events soon revealed a pattern of coordination. Surveillance of targets, planned attacks, and organised disposal of stolen goods pointed to a structured criminal network.
In a carefully planned, intelligence-led operation, the authorities finally closed in on the suspects.
Investigators say the operation’s breakthrough came with the arrest of the alleged mastermind.
He was apprehended in Nakuru County after weeks of forensic tracking and surveillance. Police describe this arrest as a critical step in unmasking the syndicate’s operations.
Several accomplices were also arrested. One suspect, believed to have received and distributed stolen alcoholic consignments, was arrested in Ruiru.
Another, alleged to have provided vehicles for surveillance, getaway missions and transport of stolen goods, was cornered in the Juja area. Investigators say these arrests dismantled the logistical backbone of the gang.
Following the arrests, victims from Ongata Rongai and Karen visited Kikuyu Police Station to identify recovered property.
The items included assorted alcoholic products marked with unique trader identification labels. Authorities say this will help link stolen property to specific incidents.
Forensic experts from the DCI’s Photographic Imaging and Acoustics Unit are analysing CCTV footage from affected outlets. Officials said the visual and acoustic evidence will corroborate witness statements and strengthen prosecutions.
The suspects remain in custody while processing and arraignment procedures are finalised.
Police stations handling related incidents have been asked to continue supporting the investigation to ensure no lead is overlooked and all victims are heard.
In a statement, the DCI highlighted the role of the public in cracking the case. “Security is a shared responsibility, and together we are dismantling organised crime one syndicate at a time,” the agency said.
Authorities emphasised that information from the public was crucial to locating the suspects and recovering stolen property.
The DCI cautioned that investigations are ongoing and more arrests could follow as the case unfolds. Authorities are also working to trace any remaining stolen goods and ensure that all victims are compensated or have their property returned where possible.
Community leaders welcomed the arrests, saying traders now feel safer. One Ongata Rongai trader said, “We can finally operate without fear. The streets feel safer and the police are doing their job.”
The arrests mark a significant achievement in Kenya’s fight against organised crime targeting businesses.
Experts say the case demonstrates the effectiveness of intelligence-led policing, forensic analysis, and community engagement in tackling syndicates that use violence and intimidation.
Authorities continue to urge members of the public to report suspicious activity. Officials say timely information is key to preventing further crimes and bringing offenders to justice.
