Authorities have launched a crackdown on a criminal gang linked to a string of violent robberies along Thika Highway.
In a statement on Thursday, March 13, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the operation follows a series of attacks on Tuesday, March 11, where unsuspecting members of the public were ambushed and robbed of their valuables.
"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," DCI said.
According to DCI, during the operation, police arrested John Junior Oginga, who was armed with a knife when he allegedly 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 DCI added.
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Additionally, seven other suspects, namely Jared Nyanza, Darlin Lande, Daniel Okombe, Mike Robert, Elvis Otieno, Reagan Omondi and Mathenge Gachiri were arrested in Mathare Area 4.
The group, part of a gang of ten, is accused of robbing multiple individuals of their 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 further said.
Meanwhile, law enforcement officers have intensified patrols along Thika Highway and its surroundings to prevent 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 DCI stated.
On Tuesday, rowdy youth descended on passengers, motorists, and shops along Thika Road, stealing and looting after President William Ruto’s tour of Mathare.
Videos showed the youth storming shops with others attacking motorists on the Thika Super Highway.
