Seven suspected members of a criminal gang have been arrested during a police operation at Githioro Market in Nakuru County on Saturday.
Officers from Githioro Police Station acted on intelligence that suspected gang members were hiding at the market before raiding one of the stalls, where they found the seven suspects.
They were identified as Paul Maina Kariuki, alias Spata; James Kinyanjui Njuguna; Joseph Mburu Mburu, alias Mbocho; Victor Kariuki Gichanga, alias Kirio; David Chege Chege; Micky Nicky Hutten; and Daniel Mwaura Karanja.
A search of the location where the suspects were found led to the recovery of several crude weapons, which police seized as exhibits.
“A search of the hideout yielded an assortment of crude weapons, including pangas and axes, which were seized as exhibits,” the DCI said in a statement on Sunday.
The arrests form part of an ongoing crackdown targeting criminal gangs and groups suspected of engaging in illegal activities in the area.
Preliminary investigations have also linked one of the suspects to another case under investigation.
Police said Paul Maina Kariuki, alias Spata, was already wanted by Githioro Police Station over a separate defilement case reported on July 25, 2026.
“Preliminary investigations have further established that Paul Maina Kariuki alias Spata was already wanted by Githioro Police Station in connection with a separate defilement case reported on July 25, 2026.”
The authorities did not provide further details about the alleged defilement case or indicate whether the other six suspects were linked to additional offences.
The seven suspects remain in custody as police complete processing ahead of their arraignment in court.
The arrests come amid continued police operations targeting criminal gangs and the recovery of weapons believed to be used in criminal activities.
The DCI urged members of the public to provide information that could assist authorities in identifying and disrupting criminal groups.
It encouraged people with information about suspected criminal activity to report it anonymously through its reporting channels.
The agency said members of the public should not be afraid to share information that could help investigators.
“Call 0800 722 203 (Toll-free) or WhatsApp at 0709 570 000 to report anonymously. Usiogope!” the DCI said.
The authorities are expected to present the suspects before court following completion of the ongoing police processing.
The recovered pangas and axes are expected to form part of the evidence as investigators establish the circumstances surrounding the suspects’ presence at the market and any offences they may have committed.
Police have not indicated whether the seven suspects are alleged to belong to a specific criminal gang, and the accusations against them have not been tested in court.
They remain suspects until proven guilty through the judicial process.