Nakuru police say they have arrested Confirm gang leader
Rift Valley
By
Washington Onyango
| Aug 03, 2022
The suspect, according to Nakuru County Police boss Peter Mwanzo, is the leader of the="https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/article/2001448963/two-members-of-confirm-gang-set-on-fire-by-angry-mob-at-bus-stage"> "Confirm"< gang that is linked to mobile money fraud and drug trafficking in the county.
The suspect was arrested on Tuesday night when the police conducted a raid on Kivumbini estate.
Police say they have also recovered an assortment of mobile phones, sim cards and drugs ranging from bhang, heroin and opium.
The bhang is estimated by police to have a street value of Sh331,000.
According to Nakuru County Police boss Peter Mwanzo, Macharia is responsible for the recruitment of ex-convicts to the gang, coordinating mobile money fraud primarily through Mpesa as well as organising the distribution of drugs within the city.
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Mwanzo said Macharia took over leadership of the gang after the death of his brother nicknamed Biggie.
"After the death of Biggie, his brother [Macharia] took over operations. Biggie coordinated the activities which were initially just mobile money fraud. However, when proceeds started going down, the gang started criminal activities because they lacked the means to sustain the flashy lifestyle," said Mwanzo.
According to intelligence, police say Macharia coordinates a group of about 200 young men who sell drugs on a daily basis and collects the profits.
He targets young men, mostly dropouts who lack money to sustain themselves or inmates with the promise of delivering a flashy lifestyle.
"This is a very organised gang. They congregate at Macharia's place every day where they collect drugs and distribute the product around Nakuru city.
He has his own network of intelligence and always seems to know when police will strike. But his reign has finally come to an end."
"We are also cracking down on splinter groups within the gang. They include Nyuki squad, Mauke and Wa TZ," said Mwanzo.