Nakuru Police Detain 18 Youth Suspected of Gang Activity

NAKURU – Local law enforcement in Nakuru has detained 18 individuals, some of whom are minors, under suspicion of gang involvement and criminal activities in the Rhonda area. This group is believed to have been causing significant disturbances in the community.

According to Kenya News Agency, the operation was sparked by community tips and led to a night raid on Salome Nafula’s residence in Rhonda, where the suspects were apprehended. The youths were reportedly armed and on the verge of committing crimes throughout Nakuru West Subcounty. “We executed a night operation which resulted in the capture of 16 individuals harbored in that dwelling, equipped and poised for various illegal activities,” Ndanyi explained. He added that among those captured were eight minors, ranging from primary to secondary school ages.

The operation also resulted in the seizure of two pistols, diverse drug-related items including 33 rolls and 300 grams of bhang, four mobile phones, and several weapons including kitchen knives and a Somali sword. Ndanyi praised the local citizens for their crucial role in providing information that led to the arrests.

These arrests are part of broader efforts to combat organized crime in the area, which has seen a spike in gang-related incidents. The suspects are linked to the Mauki gang, known for its detrimental impact on public safety. “They are between 14 and 21 years old, yet pose a severe risk to the community,” Ndanyi remarked, indicating that the suspects will face multiple charges in court.

This crackdown comes in the wake of a warning from Interior CS Kithure Kindiki during his recent visit, emphasizing a stringent stance against gang proliferation in Nakuru. The ongoing campaign aims to dismantle criminal networks that have plagued the constituency.