Police in Diani apprehended two persons of interest during investigations into a series of robbery-with-violence cases reported in Kwale County.

In a statement shared on X on Saturday, July 18, 2026, the National Police Service said the two were apprehended during an intelligence-led operation in Ratinga.

“On 17 July 2026, officers based at Diani Police Station, acting on intelligence, raided a hideout in the Ratinga area and arrested two suspected criminal gang members linked to a series of violent robberies in Kwale County,” the NPS statement reads in part.

Police did not disclose their identities. It also did not identify the specific robbery incidents being investigated.

Items recovered in the Diani raid

During a search of the hideout, officers recovered a panga, ten rolls of cannabis sativa and two mobile phones.

“During the raid, officers conducted a thorough search and recovered several items, including a panga, ten rolls of cannabis sativa, and two mobile phones suspected to be stolen property,” NPS said.

Investigators are expected to examine the phones to establish their ownership and determine whether they are connected to any reported crimes.

NPS said the recovered items were secured at Diani Police Station and would be retained as exhibits during the investigation.

The two persons remain in police custody. They are undergoing processing ahead of their expected arraignment in court.

Police launch multi-agency manhunt

Police said operations were continuing to trace other people linked to the group under investigation.

“A multi-agency manhunt is under way to apprehend the remaining members of the criminal syndicate,” the statement reads.

The NPS appealed to Kwale County residents to provide information that could assist the ongoing investigation.

“Members of the public with any information regarding criminal activities are urged to report to the nearest police station or police post,” NPS said.

Reports can also be made through the toll-free police numbers 999 and 911. Anonymous information can be submitted through #FichuaKwaDCI on 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.

NPS said the investigation remains active as officers work to establish the full extent of the reported robbery network in Diani and across the wider Kwale County region.