Police vanPolice have escalated security operations in Nakuru County following a surge in violent crimes linked to organised gangs particularly in areas like Rhonda, Kaptembwa, and Bondeni.
The DCI said specialised anti-robbery units have been deployed to pursue armed groups responsible for a series of armed attacks in the region that has left local residents living in fear, several anti-robbery teams have been dispatched and are pursuing identified armed gangs whose operations have been analysed.
"Several anti-robbery teams have been dispatched and are pursuing identified armed gangs whose operations have been analysed. The operations seek to bring to an end reign of terror and rid the streets off armed criminals," the DCI said.
The crackdown targets notorious gangs such as the 'Confirm' group, which has been implicated in numerous criminal activities, including muggings, burglaries, and assaults.
Residents reported that the gangs operate both day and night, often using crude weapons to intimidate and harm victims.
On Monday, detectives arrested five suspects and recovered an AK-47 rifle.
The individuals were scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday to face charges related to armed robbery and illegal possession of firearms.
Their arrest followed intelligence-led raids conducted jointly by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ (DCI) Operation Action Team, Crime Research Bureau, and Nakuru County detectives.
The coordinated effort flushed the gang members from their hideouts in Rhonda area, where the AK 47 loaded with three rounds of ammunition was found concealed in dry grasses near a residential house.
Despite previous efforts to dismantle the gangs, they have continued to adapt new tactics, sometimes allegedly receiving protection from certain political figures.
The resurgence of the gangs has instilled fear among locals, leading to early business closures and deserted streets after dark.
The gangs' violent spree has included several brutal attacks, most notably the ambush and killing of a police officer on foot patrol on the night of June 1, 2025.
Two other officers were injured in the attack and are currently receiving medical treatment.
In another horrifying incident, the gang raided a shop in the Soilo area, where they assaulted a 24-year-old owner with machetes and daggers before stealing hundreds of thousands of shillings.
The victim was subsequently dragged from the premises and shot dead.
With the deployment of the specialised anti-robbery units, the DCI has assured Nakuru residents that safety and order will be restored, and the armed criminals will no longer hold sway over the county’s streets.
"The DCI reassures Nakuru county dwellers and indeed, Kenyans across the country, that their security remains the foremost priority."
