Security agents in Nakuru County have arrested 78 suspected criminals believed to be behind a spate of stabbings and armed robberies in the Kaptembwa and Rhonda areas.
Led by County Commissioner Loyford Kibaara, the team recovered assorted weapons from the bloodthirsty gangs that have caused the residents sleepless nights in the recent past.
Speaking at the Central Police Station, where swords, knives, ported marijuana, and other crude weapons were displayed, Kibaara regretted that the 78 were young men who were supposed to be helpful to the community but had opted to join criminal gangs.
“These are very dangerous weapons that they have been using to terrorize the residents while extorting money and valuables from them. As we said, we are not going to give them room,” said Kibaara, noting that the 78 will be arraigned in court.
He assured the residents of continued security, noting that the resurgent criminal gangs had been abated by security officers who had overstayed in the area.
Three people had been killed as a result of the resurgence of the Confirmed, TZ, Mungiki, and Mauki criminal gangs, with the officers decrying the lenient fines and penalties meted out to them once they were arrested.
Cases of stabbings and killings have in the recent past been reported, with members of the Mauki gang group said to be in revenge mode following the killing of their leader last week.
By Anne Sabuni and Merceline Khaemba
