Police in Malindi have arrested 20 suspects during a major operation targeting criminal gangs in the Soweto and Kasufini areas of Kilifi County.
The operation, conducted on August 11 and led by the Malindi police station officer in charge (OCS), focused on individuals believed to be linked to an increase in crime and drug trafficking in the coastal town.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), the suspects remain in custody pending processing and arraignment.
“The National Police Service remains committed to safeguarding lives and property and will continue to conduct intelligence-led operations to dismantle criminal networks,” the NPS said in a statement.
The arrests form part of an ongoing security offensive along the coastal strip aimed at reducing violent crime, gang activity, and drug-related offences.
On the same day, police in Mtwapa arrested a suspect in the Kasarani area of Mtwapa Township and recovered an assortment of suspected stolen goods.
Items recovered include four grinders, seven drills, two rechargeable drills, three batteries, a handheld circular saw, thirteen assorted watches, and a gold-coated bracelet.
The Mtwapa suspect remains in custody and will face charges upon conclusion of investigations.
“The NPS remains committed to pursuing offenders and ensuring stolen property is recovered and returned to its rightful owners,” the statement added.
Security agencies have intensified patrols and intelligence operations in Kilifi and neighbouring counties in recent months to combat organised crime and protect residents and tourists.
For a region reliant on beach tourism, even isolated incidents of insecurity can disrupt businesses and affect investor confidence, making sustained security efforts critical to safeguarding the coast’s appeal and economic stability.
Serious security concerns may discourage bookings and reduce visitor numbers, and in extreme cases, prompt travel advisories from source countries such as the US and the UK.
Such travel warnings have previously led to sharp declines in occupancy rates, disrupting the region’s economic lifeline.
