Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have launched an intense operation to track down members of a criminal gang that terrorized motorists and pedestrians along Thika Road on Tuesday during President William Ruto’s visit.
In its latest crackdown, the DCI confirmed the arrest of eight suspects accused of robbing members of the public during the chaotic incident.
Among those apprehended was a gang member who allegedly carried a knife and robbed an individual of an Oppo A77S mobile phone worth Ksh28,000.
The suspect was arrested along Thika Road on Thursday and taken to Pangani Police Station, where he is being held. Authorities have confirmed that he will be presented in court to face robbery with violence charges.
“In response to a series of violent robberies targeting innocent Kenyans along Thika Highway on March 11, 2025, police officers launched a crackdown to bring those responsible to justice and restore public safety,” the DCI stated in an official report.
The statement further revealed that officers had successfully tracked down and arrested the knife-wielding suspect who attacked an unsuspecting victim before stealing their phone.
The individual, identified as Oginga, was captured along Thika Highway and escorted to Pangani Police Station, where he is being processed for legal action.
In addition to Oginga’s arrest, detectives also raided Nairobi’s Mathare estate, where they apprehended seven other suspects believed to have been part of a criminal group that robbed pedestrians of their mobile phones and other valuables during President Ruto’s tour of the area.
The seven suspects were taken to Muthaiga Police Station before being arraigned in court to answer robbery charges. Police also recovered seven brand-new shirts in their possession, which are suspected to be stolen goods.
“Seven individuals, believed to be part of a ten-member gang that robbed innocent civilians of their phones and personal belongings in Mathare Area 4, have been arrested. The suspects were escorted to Muthaiga Police Station, and several stolen items were recovered,” the DCI report further detailed.
Authorities have assured the public that efforts to track down and arrest more gang members are still ongoing. Detectives believe that several other suspects involved in the robberies are yet to be apprehended, and they remain committed to ensuring all culprits face justice.
The arrests come just two days after violent chaos erupted on Thika Road, where unruly youth attacked motorists, looted businesses, and harassed pedestrians following President Ruto’s visit to Mathare and its surrounding areas.
Exclusive footage obtained by Newshub.co.ke captured scenes of young men storming shops, robbing business owners, and attacking passengers along the Thika Super Highway, causing heavy disruptions and making parts of the road temporarily impassable.
As police continue with their crackdown, members of the public are encouraged to report any suspicious activities to authorities to aid in the arrest and prosecution of all individuals involved in these criminal acts.
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