14 juveniles arrested, arraigned in crackdown on Umoja gangs

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations have arrested 14 juveniles in connection with the rising cases of criminal activities in Umoja, Nairobi and its adjacent areas.

According to the DCI in a statement posted on X on Wednesday, the 14 arrested include 10 males and four females.

DCI says the arrest followed a targeted crackdown led by Buruburu detectives.

This follows a violent incident that went viral on social media involving a group of boys aged 12 and 19, which left a 15-year-old boy identified as Joshua Kubiti.

“Preliminary investigations have established that the boys, aged between 12 and 19, have formed rival groups under names such as Chinje, Mbogi, Bad Bunny, and Silent, among others,” DCI said.

According to the investigative DCI, these groups have been linked to violent confrontations, phone snatching, and theft in Tena, Innercore, Umoja I, II & III, Kayole, Kariobangi, and neighbouring areas.

“Recruitment often takes place during school holidays, exposing more youths to crime,” DCI added.

The 14 arrested were presented before the Makadara Law Courts, where detectives were granted custodial orders to facilitate thorough investigations into the murder of Joshua Kubiti.

DCI said the investigation will ensure the perpetrators are held into account and justice is served to the victim’s family.

“The National Police Service reiterates its unwavering commitment to maintaining law and order and assures members of the public of their safety,” DCI added.

“A sustained crackdown against juvenile gangs and other criminal elements in Nairobi and across the country remains ongoing.”