Nakuru security agents step up war on teen gangs

Authorities in Nakuru East have stepped up their fight against organised crime in the area by cracking down on criminal outfits.

Nakuru East Deputy County Commissioner Eric Wanyonyi says his team has embarked on a mission to weed out criminal gangs hiding in the slum areas of Kaloleni, Kivumbini, Flamingo, Langalanga and Bondeni.

The gangs, he said, are responsible for the spike in criminal cases reported in Nakuru county, which has threatened the security of the residents.

According to the administrator, a team of police officers and area administrators, including chiefs and elders, will be working together in an operation to weed out the criminals.

“My number one mission will be dealing with these gangs who present a serious challenge in tackling the issues of insecurity. I have noted that the gangs are involved in all kinds of illegal activities and lawlessness which has made life hell for the residents,” said Mr Wanyonyi.

The administrator said the gangs are also involved in peddling of drugs, sale of illicit liquor, robberies and hijackings.

Outlawed gang

Mr Wanyonyi was speaking after conducting a raid in one of the estates in Langalanga where they arrested nine people suspected to be members of the outlawed Confirmed gang.

The police further seized over 200 sachets of cocaine and 10 kilos of bhang, narcotics that are estimated to be worth about Sh100,000.

Two mobile phones suspected to be used by the group to coordinate their activities and con the public through fake M-Pesa messages were also recovered.

The suspects, aged between 19 and 22 years, were charged before a Nakuru court with possession of narcotics and were released on a Sh50,000 cash bail each.

Area police boss Helena Kabukuru warned the gangs, saying police will not rest until all its members are flushed out of their hiding places.

She called on the youth to shun such groups and engage in constructive activities.