Some of the weapons recovered by officers from DCI during the operation/Screengrab
Police in Murang’a have arrested suspects believed to have been behind a wave of violent crimes in the county, following what authorities described as a well-coordinated operation involving officers from Murang’a Police Station and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
In a statement, police said the suspect had been terrorising the residents of Murang’a and was flushed out of his hideout on the outskirts of Kenol Town in Murang’a South Subcounty during an early-morning operation.
The arrest marked a breakthrough in investigations into a string of robberies that have unsettled residents in the area.
“This arrest led to that of three other individuals, who were apprehended in Ichagaki, Maragua, in connection with a string of violent crimes across Murang’a and its surrounding areas,” the statement said.
Investigators said the four suspects are believed to be part of a gang linked to multiple robberies, during which victims were assaulted using machetes.
Police noted that the suspects targeted residents across different parts of the county, raising concerns about public safety.
During the operation, officers recovered several items believed to have been used in the commission of the crimes.
Among the items seized were three motorcycles, one of which is believed to have been used by the suspects during their robberies.
The other two motorcycles are suspected to be stolen.
Police also recovered assorted mobile phones, which are believed to have been stolen from victims, as well as a machete, a knife, a Maasai rungu and a crowbar.
Two television sets were also found in the suspects’ possession and are suspected to be proceeds of crime.
Authorities said the recovered items will form part of the evidence as investigations continue.
“Additionally, a variety of other items were seized,” police said, underscoring the scale of the operation and the suspects’ alleged criminal activities.
Residents of Murang’a have in recent months raised alarm over rising cases of violent robberies, particularly those involving attackers armed with crude weapons.
Police say the latest arrests are expected to bring relief to the affected communities.
The suspects remain in police custody pending arraignment in court.
Police did not immediately disclose the charges they will face, but said investigations are ongoing.
Reaffirming its resolve, the National Police Service said it “remains steadfast in its commitment to serve and protect the public,” urging members of the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement agencies by sharing information that could help prevent and detect crime.