Police have arrested a person of interest in Mtwapa, Kilifi County, following a violent robbery, in a move that highlights ongoing efforts to curb criminal activities along the coast.

The arrest was confirmed in a statement from the National Police Service (NPS) on September 12, 2025, “At approximately 5:00 AM today, police officers from Mtwapa Police Station in Kilifi County received a report of a violent robbery in Mtwapa,” read the X post.

Swift response

The Mtwapa arrest occurred at around 5:00 am when officers from Mtwapa Police Station received a report of a violent robbery. Acting on “credible information provided by members of the public,” police launched an operation in the Kandara area, which led them to a residence linked to the person of interest.

During a thorough search, officers recovered a mobile phone believed to have been stolen from the victim, along with eleven large rolls of a substance suspected to be cannabis sativa.

Similarly, four persons of interest were also arrested in Narok for stealing household items.

“Acting on credible information provided by members of the public, the officers responded swiftly, launching an operation in the Kandara area of Mtwapa Township. This led them to a residence believed to be occupied by the suspect. Upon raiding the premises, a thorough search of the house led to the recovery of a mobile phone, believed to have been stolen from the victim, as well as eleven large rolls of a substance suspected to be cannabis sativa.”

“The officers successfully apprehended a 25-year-old male suspect, who was immediately taken into custody pending arraignment,” the NPS statement noted, reflecting the efficiency of the operation.

Authorities have emphasised the importance of community cooperation in tackling crime, with the NPS adding, “The National Police Service commends the Mtwapa community for their cooperation and continues to urge the public to report any suspicious activity in the area.”

Crackdown in Kitui

The arrest comes hours after another operation in Kitui County, where four individuals were arrested for vandalising Kenya Power cables.

On the same day, police in Kitui County intercepted a Mitsubishi Canter lorry along the Kamutei–Ndithini–Munguni Road. The officers recovered 26 Kenya Power cables, 40 clamps, and two hacksaws, leading to the arrest of four suspects who were detained at Ikutha Police Station. The vehicle and recovered items were impounded.

The NPS reiterated its commitment to protecting critical infrastructure, stating, “The National Police Service reiterates its commitment to safeguarding critical infrastructure and ensuring that individuals engaged in acts of economic sabotage are brought to justice.”