Police officers based at Diani Police Station Monday arrested two suspects believed to be key members of a criminal gang that has been terrorising members of the public in the Tanduri area along the Diani beachfront.
The arrests were made during a targeted security operation as part of an intensified sweep along the Ukunda beachline, an area frequented by both local residents and tourists.
According to the police, the operation was aimed at flushing out organised criminal elements suspected of taking advantage of the busy beachfront environment to carry out criminal activities.
The move comes amid heightened security measures across coastal towns, where authorities are keen to safeguard public safety and maintain confidence in tourism-dependent local economies.
The two suspects were identified as Kennedy Hassan, aged 29, and Brian Mwangi Karanja, aged 24.
Both are currently being held at Diani Police Station, where they are undergoing processing ahead of their expected arraignment in court.
Police believe the pair are part of a gang that has been responsible for a series of incidents that have unsettled members of the public in the area.
The arrests reaffirm what police describe as a sustained and focused approach to crime prevention along the coast.
The security sweep along the Ukunda beachline is part of broader efforts to disrupt criminal networks before they can establish footholds in popular public spaces.
Officers say such operations are intelligence-led and designed to address specific security threats identified through ongoing monitoring and community reports.
Diani, a renowned coastal destination, attracts thousands of visitors each year, making security a critical concern for both authorities and local communities.
Incidents of crime in tourist zones not only affect residents but can also have wider implications for the country’s image and economic stability.
As a result, police have increased patrols and operations in areas considered vulnerable to organised criminal activity.
In a statement, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling criminal gangs and restoring public confidence.
The agency said it remains resolute in ensuring that Kenya’s streets and beaches remain safe for residents and visitors alike.
The message reflects a broader national security posture that prioritises visible enforcement alongside community engagement.
Police have also renewed calls for members of the public to cooperate with law enforcement by sharing information that could help prevent crime.
Authorities emphasised that timely intelligence from residents and visitors is crucial in identifying suspects and disrupting criminal plans before harm occurs. Anonymous reporting channels have been highlighted as a key tool in this effort.
The DCI encouraged the public to report suspicious activity through its established platforms, including the toll-free number 0800 722 203 and WhatsApp line 0709 570 000, using the hashtag #FichuaKwaDCI.
The appeal was accompanied by the assurance “Usiogope!”—do not be afraid—aimed at reassuring informants that their safety and anonymity will be protected.
As investigations continue, police say further operations are planned in the area as part of sustained efforts to curb crime along the coast.
The arrests in Diani are expected to provide leads that could help authorities identify and apprehend other members of the suspected gang.
For residents and businesses in Diani, the operation offers reassurance that security agencies are actively responding to concerns and taking steps to preserve peace.
For visitors, it serves as a signal that law enforcement remains vigilant in protecting one of Kenya’s most treasured coastal destinations.
