Authorities have intensified efforts to dismantle a gang responsible for a series of violent robberies along Thika Highway.
In a statement on Thursday, March 13, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced that law enforcement had initiated a crackdown following multiple attacks on commuters and pedestrians on Tuesday, March 11. During the incidents, unsuspecting victims were ambushed and robbed of their belongings.
“In response to a disturbing series of attacks and robberies targeting innocent members of the public along Thika Highway, police officers have launched a crackdown to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for these criminal acts and ensure public safety is restored,” the DCI said.
As part of the operation, officers apprehended a suspect identified as John Junior Oginga, who was allegedly armed with a knife when he robbed a victim of a mobile phone.
“So far, John Junior Oginga, who was armed with a knife when he attacked and robbed an unsuspecting individual of an Oppo A77S mobile phone valued at Ksh28,000, was arrested. Oginga was apprehended along Thika Highway and was escorted to Pangani Police Station,” the statement read.
Additionally, seven other individuals, namely Jared Nyanza, Darlin Lande, Daniel Okombe, Mike Robert, Elvis Otieno, Reagan Omondi, and Mathenge Gachiri, were arrested in Mathare Area 4.
According to police, the suspects were part of a group of ten linked to a spate of muggings, where victims lost mobile phones and other valuables.
“The suspects were escorted to Muthaiga Police Station. Also recovered from their possession were seven brand-new shirts, believed to be stolen property,” the DCI added.
In response to the recent surge in criminal activity, security agencies have ramped up patrols along Thika Highway and surrounding areas to curb further incidents.
“All the suspects were processed and subsequently arraigned. Meanwhile, Police Officers have intensified their crackdown to bring to justice additional suspects involved in these criminal acts,” the statement continued.
The operation follows chaotic scenes witnessed on Tuesday when a group of rowdy youth went on a looting spree along Thika Road. Videos circulating online captured the group storming shops and attacking motorists after President William Ruto’s visit to Mathare.
