Kilifi: Police nab panga boys gang, seize weapons
By Faith Lagat, September 19, 2025The National Police Service (NPS) has arrested members of the notorious “Panga Boys” gang in Kilifi County following an intelligence-led operation aimed at curbing organised crime.
The arrests were made on September 18, 2025, at around 7 pm by officers from Mtwapa Police Station, under the direction of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), in Labour–Mtomondoni on the outskirts of Mtwapa Township.
“Yesterday at around 7pm, officers from Mtwapa Police Station, led by the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), conducted an intelligence-led operation targeting members of the “Panga Boys” gang in the Labour–Mtomondoni area, located on the outskirts of Mtwapa Township,” read the NPS statement on X dated September 19, 2025.
Arrests and weapon seizure
During the operation, police raided a makeshift structure believed to be a hideout for the gang, arresting four persons of interest.
Officers recovered several weapons, including three pangas and a small slasher, which were secured as evidence to support forthcoming legal proceedings. Following their arrest, the persons of interest were taken to Mtwapa Police Station and placed in custody pending arraignment.
“The officers proceeded to a makeshift structure, believed to be a hideout for the notorious gang of muggers, where they successfully arrested four suspects. They also recovered several weapons, including three pangas and a small slasher, which were secured and retained as exhibits. The suspects were escorted to Mtwapa Police Station and placed in custody pending their arraignment.”
The NPS highlighted the importance of intelligence-driven operations in dismantling organised criminal groups. “Sustained, intelligence-led policing remains critical to eliminating criminal groups and ensuring peace and security within our communities,” the police noted in their report.
Security measures
Looking ahead, the police outlined plans for intensified surveillance and continued targeted operations to deter organised gangs across the Coast region and nationwide. The NPS emphasised that such operations are part of a broader effort to enhance security and uphold law and order.
“This operation underscores the commitment of the National Police Service to dismantling organised gangs that continue to threaten public safety. Moving forward, intensified surveillance and targeted operations will continue to be mounted to deter organised gangs not just in the Coast region, but across the entire country,” read the statement.