The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) detectives have arrested a group of youth suspected to have been involved in the widespread looting and theft along Thika Road near the National Youth Service (NYS) headquarters on Tuesday, March 11.
DCI in a statement on Thursday said that in response to the disturbing series of attacks and robberies targeting innocent members of the public along the busy highway, Police officers have launched a crackdown to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for the criminal acts and ensure public safety is restored.
One suspect who was armed with a knife when he attacked and robbed an unsuspecting individual of an Oppo A77S mobile phone valued at Ksh28,000, was arrested.
Youth who robbed Thika Road motorists arrested- DCI
He was apprehended along Thika Highway and escorted to Pangani Police Station.
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The directorate further said that Seven other suspects believed to have been among a group of 10 who robbed members of the public of their phones and other valuables in Mathare Area 4 were also arrested.
The suspects were escorted to Muthaiga Police Station. Also recovered from their possession was seven brand-new shirts, believed to be stolen property.
“All the suspects were processed and subsequently arraigned. Meanwhile, Police Officers have intensified their crackdown to bring to justice additional suspects involved in these criminal acts,” stated DCI.
On Tuesday, videos circulating on social media showed the marauding youth running through the streets, ransacking private cars stuck in traffic and aggressively boarding public vehicles where they were stealing from commuters.
Additional reports indicate that the goons, who reportedly came from a political rally hosted by President William Ruto in Mathare, stormed nearby supermarkets and shops, grabbing anything in sight.
This happened moments after President Ruto visited Ruaraka and Mathare constituencies while on his 5-day development tour in Nairobi
Some stores were also forced to shut their doors in an attempt to protect themselves and their customers.
In addition, some eyewitnesses indicated that the chaotic scenes erupted in the presence of Police officers who allegedly opted not to intervene.
Also Read: Ruto’s Cheering Squad Steals from Motorists Along Thika Road
IG Kanja responds
Following the robbery incidents, the Inspector General of police Douglas Kanja while responding said that some of the suspected robbers have been arrested and arraigned as search for more suspects continues.
Speaking in Mombasa County after opening Mbaraki Police station in Mvita Constituency on Wednesday, IG Kanja said all those captured engaging in criminal activities will not be spared, adding that there will be no room to allow any criminal activities.
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