Written By Faith Mwende
A murder suspect was among four individuals arrested by police officers during a targeted operation against a feared knife-wielding gang in Kwale County.
In a statement issued on Saturday, August 2, the National Police Service (NPS) confirmed that officers from Lunga Lunga Police Station carried out a successful crackdown in the Ngeneni area of Lunga Lunga Township. The raid was launched following a tip-off from members of the public regarding the presence of the gang that has been instilling fear in the local community.
“On August 1, 2025, our officers acted on reliable intelligence concerning a dangerous gang operating in the Ngeneni area. Among those arrested was a key suspect wanted on an active murder warrant,” read part of the police statement.
The suspects were apprehended in a single room dwelling, where officers recovered five machetes, narcotics, and a black motorcycle registered in Tanzania believed to have been used during their criminal activities. All four individuals are currently in custody as investigations continue, with their arraignment expected soon.
The gang is suspected to be part of the infamous ‘Panga Boys’ a group that has been linked to a string of violent incidents across the coastal region.
This latest bust follows a broader effort to dismantle criminal networks in the area. In April, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) arrested 51 suspected Panga Boys members in Kwale and Mombasa counties after rising concerns from residents, business owners, and human rights organisations.
The arrests were made in several hotspots within Kisauni Subcounty, including Corner Ya Kisauni, Barisheba, Sunlight, Junda, and near Jocham Hospital. Police also impounded five tuk-tuks suspected to have been used in a string of phone snatchings.
Earlier this year, 120 alleged gang members were captured in Diani, Kwale County, during a week-long security sweep.
The National Police Service has reiterated its commitment to intensifying security operations in the coastal region and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity.
