Police have intensified operations targeting organised criminal groups in Nakuru East Sub-County, resulting in the arrest of 28 persons of interest during coordinated raids across multiple estates.

The operations were conducted under the National Police Service (NPS) with support from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on April 25, 2026.

Acting on intelligence, officers first raided a one-room house in Kaloleni Estate, where 12 persons of interest were arrested as they allegedly planned criminal activity.

“A police dragnet has descended on criminal gangs wreaking havoc in Nakuru East Sub-County, with officers swooping in on multiple hideouts and rounding up key persons of interest,” read the DCI X post in part.

In a follow-up operation within the same estate, four more individuals were arrested from a nearby hideout. The operation later extended to Freehold Estate, where four additional persons of interest were apprehended. Another sweep at Railway Stage led to the arrest of eight more individuals.

Police indicated that the group is believed to be linked to criminal activities including robberies and burglaries within Nakuru East and surrounding areas. All the arrested persons of interest are in custody undergoing processing ahead of court arraignment.

Intelligence-led operations in Nakuru County

The coordinated crackdown forms part of ongoing intelligence-led policing efforts in Nakuru County. Security agencies have increased surveillance and targeted operations in residential and trading areas identified as crime hotspots.

The National Police Service stated that the operations are aimed at disrupting organised criminal networks and preventing planned criminal activity. The arrested persons of interest are being processed as investigations continue into their alleged involvement in coordinated offences.

Mau Narok operation and related arrests

The Nakuru East operation follows earlier police action in Mau Narok, where four persons of interest were arrested in connection with a series of robberies and burglaries. On April 21, 2026, two individuals were intercepted at Mau-Narok Trading Centre during a patrol, with officers recovering concealed machetes and daggers.

Subsequent investigations led to the recovery of household goods and electronic items believed to be stolen, resulting in additional arrests linked to handling stolen property. Police linked some of the individuals to a group referred to in investigations as the “Men in Black” gang.

The National Police Service stated that the operations reflect continued efforts to dismantle organised crime groups. Authorities have urged members of the public to provide information to assist ongoing investigations as operations continue across Nakuru County.