Law enforcement authorities have arrested seventeen individuals suspected to be affiliated with a proscribed gang in a night raid conducted in Mlolongo, situated within Machakos County.
Anderson Mbae, the Police Commander for Athi River East subcounty, disclosed that all the apprehended individuals were male and were captured during a nighttime sweep in Gathangaita estate within Mlolongo Township on the preceding Tuesday.
Mbae confirmed that these detainees were associated with “Gaza,” a gang group that has been outlawed. The preemptive arrests were triggered by intelligence reports of the gang’s impending endeavor to disrupt the tranquility of Mlolongo town on the same Tuesday.
“We obtained information regarding their suspected activities on Tuesday and swiftly initiated action,” Mbae conveyed in an interview with the Star newspaper on Wednesday.
The swift response by law enforcement prevented any untoward incidents from taking place. Mbae clarified, “We intervened in advance, and subsequently conducted an operation during the late hours of the night, culminating in the apprehension of 17 young individuals believed to be members of Gaza. They are slated to appear in court on Wednesday.”
The police chief elaborated that intelligence revealed the gang’s intention to seize spaces for vending stalls along Madharau Street in the town, although the specifics of their intended trade remain undisclosed.
Numerous reports concerning this gang, primarily comprising young individuals, had been filed at the Mlolongo police station between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM on Tuesday, paving the way for the subsequent raid shortly after midnight.
While the initial charges preferred against the suspects might include cases of public disorder and intoxication, investigations are ongoing into their alleged connection with the prohibited gang and their activities within Mlolongo and its vicinity.
Mbae issued a stern warning, asserting that the security agencies within Athi River East subcounty would steadfastly pursue the dismantling of criminal gangs and anyone attempting to instigate fear or insecurity in the region.
“To those supporting and enabling these outlawed gang groups, we are closely monitoring their actions,” Mbae cautioned.
Emphasizing the imminent apprehension of criminals in the area, Mbae affirmed that the era of lawbreakers operating with impunity in the region was swiftly drawing to a close.
