A joint team of detectives from Nairobi and Kiambu regions have arrested three men believed to be at the centre of a violent robbery ring that has been targeting wine and spirits shop owners across the city. The operation, the result of days of coordinated intelligence work, marks a serious blow to the syndicate’s operations even as its alleged mastermind remains on the run.
Highlights:
- Three suspects arrested after coordinated operation in Ngara and Njiru.
- Two vehicles seized: a black Toyota Harrier and a black Toyota Noah linked to the robbery gang.
- A search of the mastermind’s compound uncovered evidence including liquor cartons and a herd of 25 bulls believed stolen.
- The alleged leader, still at large, is being hunted by detectives.
- Shop owners across Nairobi region targeted in violent night raids by the gang.
Main Story:
The Raid and the Arrests
Detectives deployed in a joint task force from Nairobi and Kiambu regions moved in on the robbery ring following a robust period of surveillance and intelligence gathering. In Ngara, they arrested two key suspects: Edward Muchiri Mureithi (also known as “Kazee”) and Stephen Mwenda Ndung’u (aka “Stevoo”). During the arrest, the suspects abandoned a black Toyota Harrier (registration KDS 791A) which the detectives seized as crucial evidence.
Tracking the Next Suspect
From Ngara, the operation shifted to Njiru Makongeni where detectives apprehended Martin Ndung’u Wangui. At the scene they recovered a black Toyota Noah (registration KCY 982C) believed to have been used to ferry stolen liquor; the seats still smelled strongly of alcohol.
Search of the Mastermind’s Hideout
The investigation then led officers to a compound in Mugutha, Ruiru, identified as the hideout of Peter Mahia Njenga, thought to be the gang’s mastermind and currently at large. With a search warrant in hand, the detectives found:
- Two car seats removed from the seized Noah.
- A number plate (KCV 342G) linked to suspicious activity.
- Break-in tools, several mobile phones.
- A hoodie matching CCTV footage of a recent robbery.
- Numerous empty cartons of expensive liquor, indicating large-scale theft.
- A herd of 25 bulls, suspected to have been stolen and hidden at Njenga’s second property in Njiru; these animals have since been moved to Ruai Police Station for investigation.
With the three suspects now in custody, detectives are conducting forensic and intelligence work to trace further links and victims. Security around wine and spirits shops across the Nairobi and Kiambu corridors has been ramped up, as the impact of the gang’s violent raids has left many business owners shaken. Meanwhile, the manhunt for the alleged ring leader, Peter Njenga, continues in earnest.
Read Also:
- Matatu Drivers Call for More Patrols Along Western Routes
- Security Forces Launch Night Patrols to Curb Banditry
As detectives close in on the mastermind behind this robbery ring, one question remains: what will it take for business owners in the city’s outskirts to feel safe again?
