Police crack whip on matatu gangs, 18 arrested in swoop

Suspected matatu criminals arrested in Nairobi

Director Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) sleuths have mounted a crackdown on gangs and arrested 18 suspected criminals in Nairobi’s Eastleigh and Pumwani estates.

DCI says the suspects are accused of illegally manning bus terminal and engaging in other illegal activities.

They were arrested on the dawn of Thursday in a joint operation by Director Directorate of Criminal Investigations, Administration Police Service and Kenya Police.

“A joint operation by @DCI_Kenya, @APS Kenya & @PoliceKE has resulted in the arrest of 18 suspected criminals in Eastleigh and Pumwani. The suspects have been illegally manning stages and engaging in other organized crimes. To be arraigned in court tomorrow. Huge blow to organized crime,” DCI said in a tweet.

The suspects will be arraigned in court tomorrow.

Matatu gangs

Over recent years armed gangs have infiltrated the transport business where they collect fees from matatu owners and businesspeople who ply certain routes.

The group have also been accused of extorting money from traders seeking stalls in the market.

The gangs are said to operate in small groups and are well-known within the security circles but little is being done. A situation that looks to be changing with today’s arrests.