Gun Recovered as Detectives Arrest Suspects Who Held Workers Hostage

Detectives have arrested three men suspected of orchestrating a brutal robbery that saw workers at an industrial facility held hostage and assaulted.

In a statement on Monday, May 12, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the three were arrested following an investigation into a robbery with violence incident at Sanergy Limited Company EPZ in Athi-River on February 23, 2025.

"A reign of terror has come to a screeching halt as three notorious robbers, Kelvin Baraza Andayi alias Kevoo, Titus Mutuku Maingi alias Tush, and Jack Wilshere Kimathi alias Jack, now sit behind bars, thanks to a well-coordinated police operation.

"The trio were arrested after a painstaking probe that traced their footsteps back to a robbery with violence incident that unfolded at Sanergy Limited Company EPZ in Kinanie, Athi-River on February 23, 2025," the statement read.

According to the DCI, the gang which was armed with crude weapons stormed the facility and rounded up employees.

The workers were then subjected to physical assault, and were held hostage before the suspects made away with valuable items.

"On that day, armed with crude weapons and joined by two accomplices still on the run, they stormed the facility like a pack of wolves on the hunt. They rounded up workers, assaulted them with ruthless force, and held them hostage. 

"The employees were left battered and bound as the robbers made off with their loot: a fridge, a microwave, two lorry batteries, two back-loader tractor batteries, and a generator, which they loaded into a waiting pickup before vanishing," the statement continued.

Following the attack, detectives launched an intensive manhunt that led them to a rented house in Kamulu where Andayi was arrested.

With Andayi, who is believed to be the ringleader, in custody, detectives were able to track down the remaining suspects.

"Determined not to let the miscreants slip away, Athi-River detectives launched a meticulous manhunt, piecing together forensic clues that led them straight to a rented house in Kamulu, arresting the ringleader, Kelvin Baraza Andayi.

"A search of his hideout turned up a Beretta pistol, a pocket phone, beige and green tactical trousers, six assorted SIM cards, and other incriminating items," the statement added.

The suspects are currently being processed and will be arraigned in court as investigations continue.