Security agencies have arrested nine people in connection with the infamous machete-wielding gang that has been terrorising residents in Msambweni Sub-County, Kwale County, following an intelligence-led operation conducted on Friday, April 4, 2025.
The ongoing multi-agency security crackdown, which has been intensifying efforts to dismantle criminal groups operating in the region, saw law enforcement officers seize a variety of weapons and illicit substances during the raid.
Among the items recovered were 11 machetes, five slashers, four knives, a hacksaw, a toy gun, a pair of scissors, and 26 sachets of cannabis sativa, all of which are suspected to have been used in the gang’s criminal activities.
According to a statement issued by the National Police Service [NPS], the arrested individuals are currently in custody as they undergo processing ahead of their arraignment in court.
“The suspects have been placed in custody pending processing and arraignment.”
The National Police Service (NPS) has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that perpetrators of violent crime are brought to justice, warning that security operations in the coastal region will be sustained until law and order are fully restored.
It also urged residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by providing any information that could aid in identifying and apprehending more suspects involved in gang-related violence.
“The success of this operation depends on continued public cooperation. We call upon all residents to report any suspicious activities to the authorities,” NPS stated.
Ongoing crackdown
The latest operation in Msambweni is part of a broader security initiative aimed at tackling gang-related crime along Kenya’s coastal region, which has witnessed a surge in violent robberies, armed attacks, and drug-related activities.
Earlier this week, a similar security operation in Mombasa County led to the arrest of 51 people linked to the same group.
The 51 were apprehended during a raid that targeted eight crime hotspots, including Corner Ya Kisauni, Jocham Hospital, Barisheba, Sunlight, Mwandoni, Junda, Cobra, and Kadongo Grounds.
In addition to the arrests, five tuk-tuks believed to have been used in phone-snatching incidents were seized, with all suspects currently being held at Mjambere Police Station awaiting court proceedings.
The crackdown follows an earlier operation on March 29, during which Mombasa County Commissioner Hassan Noor confirmed that 50 more individuals had been arrested in connection with rising cases of robbery targeting residents, businesses, and tourists.
“We have arrested suspects who hijacked tourists in a vehicle and robbed them of money and other valuables. Another suspect, believed to have attacked a resident with a panga and severed his hand, is currently being held at Shimo la Tewa Maximum Prison awaiting arraignment,” Noor revealed.
Operations extend to Diani
The coastal security operation has also extended to Diani, a popular tourist destination in Kwale County, where law enforcement officers have intensified efforts to clamp down on organised criminal gangs.
On Saturday, March 29, police arrested 12 juveniles in connection with violent robberies and daylight stabbings in the area.
Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno, who previously served as the Kwale County Police Commander before his recent promotion, has vowed to crack down on criminal elements that continue to disrupt peace in the region.
Decrying what he termed as laxity among local police officers in dealing with gang-related crime, Nuno emphasised that law enforcement agencies will not relent in their pursuit of justice.
“It is unacceptable that while gangs in Likoni and Mombasa are surrendering, 15-year-olds here in Diani are still running riot and terrorising innocent people. This cannot continue,” Nuno declared during an address on Wednesday, March 26.
With security agencies ramping up operations across the coastal region, authorities have assured residents that sustained efforts are underway to dismantle criminal networks and restore order, with further arrests expected in the coming days.