Police in Kilifi County have arrested a 27-year-old man in connection with a series of armed robberies, as authorities step up efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating in the region.
Paul Odhiambo Magoya was apprehended on Saturday during a sting operation conducted by detectives in Mariakani. Acting on intelligence reports, the officers raided a room at Prestige Guest House, where Magoya had been hiding. During the operation, officers recovered a CZ pistol concealed beneath the suspect’s bed.
The firearm, believed to have been used in recent criminal activities, has been handed over to the National Forensic Laboratory for ballistic testing. Detectives are hoping the results will link the weapon to a string of armed robberies that have left residents in fear.
According to police sources, Magoya has been under surveillance for several weeks following increased incidents of robbery with violence in Kilifi and surrounding areas. His arrest marks a significant breakthrough in the ongoing crackdown against armed criminal gangs believed to be operating along the Coast region.
“We received credible information about the suspect’s location, and our officers moved in swiftly. The operation was executed without incident, and we recovered a loaded pistol from the premises,” said a senior officer involved in the operation.
Police are currently interrogating the suspect to establish the extent of his involvement and to identify any accomplices. Authorities suspect Magoya may be part of a larger gang responsible for recent attacks on business premises and motorists, particularly along the busy Mombasa-Nairobi highway.
The arrest comes amid heightened security operations launched by the police following public outcry over rising cases of armed robberies. Security agencies have vowed to intensify intelligence-led operations and collaborate with local communities to root out criminal elements.
Residents have welcomed the arrest, urging police to ensure that justice is served and that all those involved are brought to book. The suspect is expected to be arraigned in court once investigations are complete.
Police have appealed to the public to report any suspicious individuals or activities as part of ongoing efforts to improve safety and security in the region.
