An undercover police operation in Kibra, Nairobi, has led to the arrest of two men suspected of planning to rob pedestrians along Karanja Street. The officers reportedly disguised themselves as ordinary commuters before moving in on the suspects, who were allegedly armed with machetes and targeting people heading home.
The operation was carried out after police received intelligence about the suspected criminal activities in the area.
Highlights
- Two persons of interest were arrested along Karanja Street in Kibra.
- The suspects were allegedly armed with machetes and targeting pedestrians.
- Undercover officers posed as ordinary commuters while monitoring the men.
- Police moved in before the alleged robbery could take place.
- The two men are being held at Kibra Police Station pending further police action.
Main Story
Undercover Officers Foil Alleged Robbery Attempt
Police in Kibra have arrested two persons of interest following an operation that disrupted an alleged plan to rob pedestrians along Karanja Street.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), the two men had allegedly been targeting unsuspecting members of the public, particularly pedestrians returning home and other people going about their daily activities.
The suspects were reportedly armed with machetes when police received intelligence about their activities.
In a statement shared on X on Friday, November 13, 2026, NPS revealed that officers from Kibra Police Station organised an undercover operation to monitor the situation and prevent a possible attack.
Officers Disguised Themselves as Ordinary Commuters
Rather than approaching the area in uniform, the officers reportedly blended in with members of the public and posed as ordinary commuters.
This allowed them to observe the suspects without attracting attention as they monitored their movements along Karanja Street.
Once the officers identified the two men, they moved in and arrested them before the alleged robbery could be carried out.
The operation prevented a potential attack on pedestrians using the busy Nairobi street.
Suspects Held at Kibra Police Station
Following their arrest, the two men were escorted to Kibra Police Station, where they remained in custody as police prepared for further legal action.
However, the National Police Service did not reveal their identities or confirm whether the machetes allegedly associated with the suspects had been recovered.
The arrests come amid ongoing efforts by security agencies to address street crime and improve safety in Nairobi’s residential and commercial neighbourhoods.
Police have reiterated their commitment to intelligence-led operations and proactive deployments aimed at disrupting criminal activities before members of the public become victims.
The service also maintained that its interventions are intended to allow Kenyans to go about their daily routines without worrying about criminal attacks.
The successful operation highlights the role of intelligence-led policing in preventing street crime, but it also raises an important question: How can Nairobi make its streets safer for pedestrians, especially those walking home late in the evening?
