The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has confirmed the arrest of three people linked to criminal activities in the Coast region.
In a statement posted on its social media platforms, DCI noted that the persons of interest were arrested as part of the ongoing security operation to weed out criminal elements in the region.
The first two persons of interest linked to a notorious criminal gang were apprehended in Kwale, with the third one arrested in Kilifi.
“The ongoing security operation aimed at dismantling criminal gangs in the Coast Region has achieved yet another significant breakthrough with the arrest of three more notorious suspects.
Sleuths acted on credible intelligence and conducted a raid at the residence of the suspects in the Denyenye area of Kwale, where the duo linked to the notorious Panga Boys gang were apprehended.
“Acting on actionable intelligence, a team of security officers drawn from Kwale County raided the residence of two suspects in the Denyenye area, Ng’ombeni,” the statement reads in part.
Notorious ‘Panga Boys’ gang
The two are members of the infamous Panga Boys gang, which has been terrorising members of the public along the Dongo Kundu bypass and Likoni-Ukunda road,” DCI said.
Mugshots shared by the police show the two carrying pangas that were recovered during the operation.
The two are being held at Kwale Police Station for processing and arraignment in court.
The ongoing operation also saw police arrest a third person of interest in Kilifi County over links to criminal activity in the region.
According to the DCI, the person of interest is linked to three murders in Malindi and had been on the run prior to his arrest.
He was smoked out of his hideout in Tangini Village, Ganze, with the statement noting that he was cornered “after being on the run for his involvement in the triple murders in Malindi.”
Security operation targeting criminals
The arrests marked a significant step in efforts to restore peace and security in the region following a resurgence of criminal elements and gangs.
Panga Boys is one of the most notorious gangs behind a wave of insecurity in the region.
An ongoing security operation in the region has seen several persons of interest arrested, with police also recovering weapons.
