Kwale: Several suspected gang members arrested in major crackdown
The suspects were apprehended on Friday, August 1 after officers acted on a public tip-off that led them to a hideout in the Ngeneni area, where weapons and drugs were also seized.
A major police operation in Lunga Lunga Township has led to the arrest of several suspected gang members, marking a significant breakthrough in the fight against organised crime in Kwale County.
The suspects were apprehended on Friday, August 1, after officers acted on a public tip-off that led them to a hideout in the Ngeneni area, where weapons and drugs were also seized.
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The raid was conducted by officers from the Lunga Lunga Police Station, who stormed a single-room house believed to be the meeting point for a notorious gang that has been linked to violent crimes in the region.
One of the arrested suspects is reportedly a key figure within the gang and is wanted on an active arrest warrant for murder.
"One of the individuals, believed to be a key gang member, is wanted on an active arrest warrant for murder and had reportedly been spotted in the company of his accomplices in the area," a statement by the National Police Service read.
Police said the suspect has been under their radar for a while, with credible intelligence pointing to his involvement in a series of criminal activities along the border areas.
Inside the hideout, officers found several individuals armed with machetes and allegedly smoking cannabis sativa.
A thorough search led to the recovery of approximately 257 grams of cannabis, five machetes, and a black Tanzanian-registered motorcycle bearing registration number MC890, which authorities believe was used in cross-border criminal operations.
"A search of the house yielded about 257 grams of cannabis sativa, five machetes, and a black Tanzanian-registered motorcycle (registration number MC890). The motorcycle is suspected to have been used in several criminal activities across the border region," stated the statement.
The arrested individuals were immediately taken into custody and are expected to be presented in court in the coming days as investigations continue.
The National Police Service praised residents for sharing timely information and encouraged ongoing public cooperation to help dismantle criminal groups.
"We appreciate the members of the public who provided timely information. Your support played a critical role in making this operation a success,” a police statement read.
The arrests are part of wider efforts by security agencies to disrupt organised criminal networks in Kwale and other parts of the Coast region, many of which are linked to robberies, assaults, and smuggling across the Kenya–Tanzania border.
Police have reiterated their call to the public to remain alert and report any suspicious activities, promising more crackdowns targeting such gangs in the coming weeks.
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