A multi-agency security operation has led to the arrest of 14 suspects in Kitale, believed to be connected to a series of criminal incidents in the town.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects were rounded up during a coordinated raid across Umoja, Kisumu Ndogo, Tuwani, Bondeni and Mitume areas.
The operation, police said, was carried out by a joint security team and is part of an ongoing crackdown on organised gangs in the region.
"The suspects are currently in custody, where they are undergoing profiling and processing. They are expected to be arraigned once investigations are complete," police said.
Authorities have maintained that the crackdown will continue in a bid to restore security and order in the area.
The Kitale arrests come amid growing public concern over rising crime in other parts of the country, including Nairobi’s Central Business District.
Kenyans have shared their experiences after being mugged, drugged and their items stolen in the streets of Nairobi.
In videos posted on social media, the victims of theft in Nairobi CBD warned Kenyans to be careful while in town during the evening hours.
Reacting to the issue, Nairobi County Chief Officer for Environment Geoffrey Mosiria said the county is working to protect its residents.
He said that the county has received reports and videos circulating on social media where people claim that gangs of youths are terrorising city residents, particularly over the weekends.
He said the youths disguise themselves as Gen Z content creators in the CBD, but by around 5 pm, they begin stealing from unsuspecting people.
“They operate in large groups of 20–30 criminals, surrounding victims and robbing them of all their belongings. In addition, some claim that certain street families engage in illegal activities, including dumping waste at night and robbing people before fleeing to the backstreets,” he said in a statement on social media.
“Some even use human waste to extort money or valuables from residents. Improper waste disposal and unsanitary practices not only harm the environment but also create unsafe spaces that criminals exploit.”
Mosiria said that the enforcement team, working closely with the National Police Service, continues operations to remove the individuals from the streets and ensure public spaces remain safe and hygienic.
