Authorities in Malindi have arrested eight individuals believed to be part of the dreaded ‘Team Nati Dread’ gang that has been behind a wave of violent crimes in the coastal town.
The intelligence-led operation began with the capture of one suspect, who later provided information that guided officers to Nat and Kwa Famau areas in Maweni. Seven more suspects were arrested during the subsequent raids. Police confirmed that the group is linked to a series of robberies and violent attacks that have left residents in fear.
During the swoop, security personnel recovered three pangas, two mobile phones, and assorted jewellery suspected to have been stolen from victims of violent robberies. The suspects are currently in custody and are expected to face multiple charges, including robbery with violence and possession of stolen property.
Authorities emphasized that the crackdown is part of ongoing operations to dismantle criminal gangs operating in the region. They assured the public that intelligence-led initiatives will continue to target gangs and individuals posing threats to safety and security.
The arrests come just a day after a separate multi-agency security operation in Kitale, where 14 suspects linked to organised crime were apprehended. That operation targeted Umoja, Kisumu Ndogo, Tuwani, Bondeni, and Mitume areas, regions that have experienced recurring cases of gang violence and crime.
Security officials in Kitale confirmed that those arrested are undergoing profiling and will be arraigned in court as investigations progress. The crackdown is part of a broader nationwide strategy aimed at restoring public safety and neutralizing criminal networks.
The two back-to-back operations highlight the government’s stepped-up efforts to deal with rising cases of organised crime in both urban and rural areas. Residents in affected towns have been urged to cooperate with authorities by providing timely information to help track down remaining members of these criminal gangs.
