Police officers have recovered a firearm from a person of interest linked to a series of violent robberies in the coastal region of Kenya. The weapon is believed to have been used to terrorise residents, particularly in Likoni and its surrounding areas.
The operation, carried out by detectives based in Likoni, targeted a 27-year-old suspect, identified as Paul Odhiambo Magoya. The arrest occurred during a sting operation at Prestige Guest House in Mariakani. Officers raided the room and recovered a CZ pistol that had been concealed under the suspect’s bed. The firearm has since been taken to the National Forensic Laboratory for ballistic testing to determine whether it was used in recent criminal incidents reported in the region.
The arrest marks a major breakthrough in the ongoing crackdown on violent crime that has plagued parts of the Coast, with Likoni Sub-County being a notable hotspot. Residents have for months decried rising cases of muggings, armed robberies, and gang-related violence, prompting authorities to step up surveillance and enforcement operations.
According to investigators, the suspect is believed to be part of a broader criminal network that has been staging coordinated attacks across Mombasa County. The recovery of the firearm is expected to aid in connecting the dots in several unsolved cases and potentially lead to further arrests.
The operation follows another successful police action in the Maweche area, where officers apprehended a separate individual also linked to recent robberies in Likoni. This arrest was made on July 4 following a tip-off from concerned members of the public. Officers from the Vijiweni Police Station acted swiftly, tracking down the suspect at a hideout in the Maweche area. The quick response by the officers underscores the importance of community policing and public cooperation in fighting crime.
Authorities are urging members of the public to continue sharing information that may assist in identifying and apprehending criminals in their neighborhoods. Law enforcement agencies have reiterated their commitment to maintaining safety and order, warning that individuals involved in criminal activities will be brought to book.
The twin operations demonstrate a renewed resolve by security agencies to restore confidence among residents of Mombasa and its environs. The Coast region has been flagged as an area of concern due to increasing reports of violent crimes. However, with the recovery of weapons and the arrest of key suspects, law enforcement believes it is making critical progress in dismantling criminal gangs operating in the area.
Investigations are ongoing as officers work to establish any links between the suspects and recent robberies reported across the region.
