A special police squad deployed from Nairobi is leading a major crackdown on criminal gangs terrorising Nakuru City and its neighbourhood following a recent surge in violent crime.
The elite team working closely with local officers for the last five days has been tasked with dismantling the re-emerging gangs responsible for a wave of killings and robberies in the area.
In the past three weeks, six people including a police officer have been killed by armed robbers, prompting the launch of the security operation.
The special undercover squad is targeting known criminal groups such as the outlawed ‘Confirm gang,’ which has deep roots in several informal settlements around Nakuru.
According to a senior detective from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Nairobi, the team’s mission is to track down gang members and dismantle their cells.
Several suspected gang members have been arrested since the operation began and the crackdown is ongoing.
“We will not rest until all gang members are apprehended,” the detective added.
Security forces have also increased patrols across Nakuru City focusing on known criminal hideouts to flush out perpetrators.
Nakuru County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara confirmed the crackdown and vowed to continue aggressive security measures.
“We have launched a major multi-agency operation targeting organised criminal gangs in Nakuru City and the wider county. There will be no tolerance for any gang resurgence. Those involved will face the full force of the law,” Mr Kibaara said.
Several suspects linked to recent killings have already been arrested. Among them is Elijah Kinyanjui, who was detained in the Mzee Wa Nyama area of Nakuru County. He is suspected to have been part of a robbery gang that recently targeted residents in Pakawa area.
Other detainees include an ex-convict believed to be a ringleader of a gang terrorizing Nakuru, four suspects caught at a hideout in Umoja Lodging and a 45-year-old woman.
Another suspect connected to the killing of a police officer at Gilgil Bar was arrested after being identified by a member of the public.
The operation was launched following a deadly shootout that claimed the life of a police officer, a sign of the worsening crime wave.
Authorities suspect the ‘Confirm gang’, originally a youth group involved in Mpesa fraud, is resurging.
“This gang has bases in Kivumbini, Kwa Rhonda, and Flamingo wards. Officers are vigilant in these areas and others to tackle all criminal activity,” said an officer involved in the operation.
The Confirm gang is linked to robbery, mugging, phone snatching and violent attacks in Nakuru City.
Police suppressed the gang in 2021 and 2022, forcing members underground. The gang was officially outlawed in December 2016 by then-Interior Cabinet Secretary Joseph Nkaissery as one of over 90 gangs operating in Kenya.
One of the recent victims was Jackson Mwangi who was shot dead during a robbery on May 21 at his shop. His wife was injured during the attack.
“The robbers shot at them because they suspected they were recognised. They fled with goods worth over Sh200,000,” said Grace Wambui, Mr Mwangi’s niece.
Residents rushed to the scene but the robbers escaped. Mr Mwangi was declared dead at Nakuru Level Five Hospital and his wife is recovering from an arm injury.
