In a major stride against armed crime, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Likoni have apprehended a suspect believed to be behind a string of violent robberies in the coastal region. During a targeted sting operation in Mariakani, the suspect, identified as a 27-year-old man, was arrested after police raided a room he had rented at Prestige Guest House.
During the operation, officers discovered a CZ pistol concealed at the suspect’s bedside. The firearm is believed to have been used in several robbery incidents that have rocked the area in recent months. It has since been forwarded to the National Forensic Laboratory for ballistic analysis to determine its involvement in any previous crimes.
This arrest marks a significant breakthrough in efforts to dismantle organized criminal networks operating in the region. The coastal belt has experienced a rise in violent crime, with heavily armed gangs staging daring attacks in both urban and rural areas. The arrest of the suspect and recovery of the weapon is a boost to ongoing law enforcement efforts to restore public safety.
In a separate but equally important incident, police officers based at Kabete Police Station recovered an AK-47 rifle that was stolen from Dagoretti Police Post during the nationwide protests on June 25, 2025. The recovery was made possible through a tip-off from a member of the public, who reported seeing a suspicious man carrying a bulky bag at a popular entertainment spot, Gravity Bar, in the Gahui area.
Acting on the intelligence, officers moved swiftly to the location. Using forensic leads, they were able to identify the suspect, though he managed to flee before an arrest could be made. The trail eventually led them to his residence in the Njuki-Kirigu area.
Although the suspect evaded capture, a thorough search of his house carried out in the presence of his mother resulted in the discovery of the stolen AK-47 rifle, along with an empty magazine and a single round of 7.62mm special ammunition. All the items were later confirmed to have been taken during the chaos that engulfed the Dagoretti Police Post in late June.
These two successful recoveries demonstrate the ongoing vigilance and dedication of Kenya’s security forces in combating the proliferation of illegal firearms. They also underscore the critical role of public cooperation in enhancing security. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to cracking down on criminals and bringing all culprits to justice.