How detectives nabbed suspects behind wines and spirits robbery

Three suspects alleged to be behind a series of robberies targeting wines and spirits shops have been arrested.

The three were arrested in a well-coordinated raid conducted by a team of detectives drawn from Nairobi and Kiambu counties.

According to a statement by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects are alleged to be behind a daring gang that has been terrorising wine and spirits shop owners across the city and its outskirts.

"The suspects, who operated with military precision, were finally cornered after days of intense surveillance and coordinated intelligence work," the DCI said.

Following a tip-off, the team of detectives struck in Ngara, pouncing on two key suspects.

"The duo, noted for their violent night raids, attempted to outrun the police dragnet but were no match for the detectives," DCI report said..

The two suspects are said to have abandoned a black Toyota Harrier in a confused escape, which detectives seized as crucial evidence to aid the ongoing probe.

"Not letting up, detectives proceeded to Njiru Makongeni, where another suspect fell into their trap. A Toyota Noah believed to have been used to ferry stolen liquor, was recovered at the scene; its seats still smelled of freshly spilt alcohol," DCI said.

According to the statement by the DCI, the detectives shifted the operation to Mugutha, Ruiru, the suspected hideout of the gang's mastermind, who is still at large.

Armed with a search warrant, detectives stormed the suspect's compound and made several recoveries, including two car seats ripped out of the seized Noah, a number plate, break-in tools, several mobile phones, and a hoodie identical to the one seen on CCTV footage from a recent robbery.

"Scattered all over the compound were empty cartons of expensive liquor, evidence of the gang's heavy looting spree."

Detectives also allegedly recovered a herd of 25 bulls, suspected to be stolen and hidden awaiting sale.

The animals have since been escorted to Ruai Police Station as efforts to trace their owners intensify.

Detectives have heightened the manhunt for the suspect on the run and who is believed to be the kingpin behind the violent robbery ring.