Two suspected gang members arrested in Mombasa crackdown

In a major operation to curb the rising threat of machete-wielding gangs, two notorious criminal suspects have been arrested in Mombasa following a crackdown by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).

The arrests come after a series of attacks allegedly carried out by young motorcycle-riding thugs, which have sparked fear among residents.

The two suspects, identified as Mohammed Ibrahim Shaban, 22, also known as “Junior” or “Tatin,” and Abdulaziz Ali Ogutu, 19, were apprehended on Tuesday following a well-coordinated sting operation by DCI officers.

The suspects are believed to be masterminds behind a string of violent robberies across Mombasa, including a recent attack on September 14, 2024, in the Majengo area, where victims reported being threatened and robbed at knifepoint.

According to the official police report from Makupa Police Station OB Number 49/17/09/2024, the DCI officers acted on credible intelligence and launched a manhunt for the suspects, who had gone into hiding in the Kisauni area.

After an intense pursuit, the officers successfully tracked the duo to their hideout in Utange village, where they were arrested.

A search of the suspects' residences yielded a haul of stolen items, including a panga, three knives, two assorted mobile phones, two backpacks (black and blue), four caps, and a wireless digital cordless phone.

Additional items recovered included helmets, a Honda reflector, a power bank, shoes, and an ID card belonging to a different individual, Yusuf Amani Yusuf.

The suspects were immediately escorted to Makupa Police Station, where they are being held for further interrogation and possible charges.

Police have preserved the recovered items as exhibits for the ongoing investigation.

Mombasa County Commissioner Mahmoud Noor said that the police will pursue all those involved in criminal activities.

"Today, we made a big breakthrough by arresting those who have been using pangas to terrorise innocent people. We request members of the public to support us in this journey. We ask all those who have been victims of these criminals to come forward and record statements to ensure we secure a conviction against these boys," he said.