DCI detectives on Thursday arrested three suspected gang members in separate operations across the Coast Region, describing the raids as “yet another significant breakthrough”.
Two alleged Panga Boys members were held in Kwale, while a suspect known as “Goliath” was arrested in Kilifi for his alleged involvement in triple murders in Malindi.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations said in a statement: “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.”
According to the agency, the first operation took place in Kwale County, where officers acted on intelligence leads.
“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 where Bakari Idi Raisi (19) and Daudi Munye Mandu (18) were arrested,” the statement said.
The DCI said the two suspects are linked to a criminal group accused of violent incidents along key transport routes in the region.
“The two are members of the infamous Panga Boys gang, which has been terrorizing members of the public along the Dongo Kundu bypass and Likoni-Ukunda road,” it added.
The Dongo Kundu bypass and the Likoni-Ukunda road are important arteries connecting residential areas, business centres and tourism destinations along the coast.
Authorities said increased patrols and targeted raids are aimed at curbing criminal activity in these areas.
The suspects arrested in Kwale are being held pending further procedures.
“The suspects are currently in custody at Kwale Police Station,” the DCI confirmed.
In a separate operation in Kilifi County, detectives apprehended another suspect alleged to have been on the run in connection with serious crimes.
“In a separate operation in Kilifi County, Joshua Ngala Hinzano, also known as ‘Goliath’, was apprehended at Tangini Village, Madamani, Ganze after being on the run for his involvement in the triple murders in Malindi,” the statement said.
The agency did not provide additional details about the alleged triple murders but indicated that the arrest was part of broader investigations in the region.
All three suspects are now undergoing formal procedures.
“All the three suspects are undergoing processing pending arrangement as the security operation continues across the Coast Region with the clear goal of making the area safer for all residents,” the DCI said.
The statement emphasised that the crackdown is ongoing and that authorities remain focused on dismantling criminal groups operating in coastal counties.
Law enforcement agencies in Kenya have stepped up efforts against organised gangs in several regions, with the Coast identified as an area of concern due to incidents of robbery and violent crime reported along major routes.
The DCI urged members of the public to support the operation by reporting suspicious activities.
“We urge the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities through the Fichua Kwa DCI toll-free number (0800 722 203) or via WhatsApp (0709 570 000),” the statement said.
Authorities say community cooperation is essential in sustaining the campaign against criminal networks.
For now, the three suspects remain in custody as investigations continue and legal processes are prepared.
The agency reiterated that the objective of the security operation is public safety, stating it continues “with the clear goal of making the area safer for all residents.”
