13 suspects arrested in Trans Nzoia gang crackdown

Some of suspected criminal gangs arrested by police in Trans Nzoia county on Saturday, May 9, 2026. [NPS]

Police in Trans Nzoia County have arrested 13 suspects linked to criminal gang activities following a coordinated multi-agency security operation in Gitwamba area, as part of a wider national crackdown on organised crime.

The operation, carried out on Saturday by a joint team of security officers, targeted individuals suspected of involvement in violent crimes, theft, intimidation, vandalism and other unlawful activities that have been spreading fear among residents and disrupting daily life in the region.

According to the National Police Service (NPS), the arrests are part of ongoing efforts to dismantle criminal networks in the country.

“The National Police Service remains committed to dismantling criminal gangs that threaten peace, undermine public confidence, and disrupt normal livelihoods through acts of violence, theft, intimidation, vandalism and other unlawful activities,” the service said on X.

This comes seven months after security agencies arrested 46 suspected members of a criminal gangs with authorities ordering 57 others who were still at large to surrender immediately.

“In a continued effort to restore law and order, a multi-agency security team in Trans Nzoia County yesterday conducted a successful operation in Gitwamba area, leading to the arrest of 13 suspects linked to criminal gang activities and other related offences,” NPS added.

The crackdown comes amid growing concern over the rise of organised gangs in several parts of the country.

Security agencies estimate that more than 100 criminal gangs are currently active nationwide, with major urban centres such as Nairobi, Mombasa and Nakuru among the hardest hit.

Some of these groups, according to police reports, have evolved from informal youth formations into structured criminal enterprises involved in robbery, extortion, drug trafficking and political intimidation.

Authorities also say some are allegedly used during political seasons to disrupt meetings and influence local power dynamics.