Seven individuals suspected to be part of a notorious gang responsible for a series of robberies in Naivasha Town have been arrested following a police operation. Acting on a tip-off, officers and detectives from Naivasha Police Station managed to intercept the suspects, who were allegedly linked to criminal activities that have left local residents in fear.
The suspects were apprehended while traveling in a grey Mazda Demio, which was stopped and thoroughly searched by the law enforcement team. During the search, officers discovered a Retay Falcon pistol concealed beneath the rear back left seat of the vehicle. Although the weapon is not capable of firing live rounds, it closely resembles a real firearm, making it effective for intimidation purposes.
The individuals taken into custody include Patrick Handi, 45, David Muchina, 34, Grace Wanjiru, 33, Erick Kabiru, 32, Hassan Jamal, 32, Christopher Kimani, 30, and Ronny Muturi, 30. Authorities believe this group has been operating together, using the replica firearm to carry out a spate of robberies across different parts of Naivasha Town.
Police described the Retay Falcon pistol as “sneaky,” pointing out that its realistic appearance has allowed the suspects to threaten and rob unsuspecting victims without the need for a live weapon. Despite being classified as ‘harmless,’ the pistol was reportedly the gang’s primary tool in executing their criminal schemes. The weapon’s ability to induce fear among the public was enough for the gang to rob individuals of cash, mobile phones, and other valuables before quickly fleeing the scene.
Law enforcement sources indicated that the gang had been on their radar for several weeks, as residents of Naivasha reported a series of similar incidents involving a group using a grey vehicle and a gun. The breakthrough came after an informant provided critical information that led to the vehicle’s location and subsequent ambush.
Residents have long expressed concern over rising insecurity in parts of Naivasha, especially in the evenings, when robberies tend to spike. The arrest of the seven suspects has been welcomed by many, who hope this marks a turning point in efforts to restore public safety in the area.
Investigations into the suspects’ activities are ongoing. Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage from previous robbery scenes and seeking witness testimonies to establish the full extent of the gang’s involvement in the crime wave. The suspects are expected to be arraigned in court, where charges related to robbery and possession of an imitation firearm are likely to be brought against them.
Police have called on members of the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity in their neighborhoods. They also cautioned residents about the increasing use of imitation weapons in crimes, urging the community not to underestimate such threats even when no real firearm is involved.
The latest arrests underscore the growing challenge law enforcement agencies face in combating organized petty crime, where replica firearms and fast getaways are becoming more common tactics. However, with increased community cooperation and sustained surveillance, police believe they can dismantle similar criminal networks in the region.
