7 suspected gang members nabbed in Malindi police crackdown
By Cynthia Lodite, August 25, 2025Police officers from Malindi Police Station have apprehended at least seven men following a crackdown on criminal gangs in Kilifi County within the Soweto area of Malindi Sub-County.
According to a report by the National Police Service (NPS) on Monday, August 25, 2025, the seven persons of interest were apprehended on Monday, August 25, 2025, in the Soweto area.
“The crackdown on criminal gangs intensified in Malindi. Police officers from Malindi Police Station in Kilifi County today conducted an intelligence-led operation targeting criminal gangs within the Soweto area of Malindi Sub-County,” NPS said.
The police have further revealed that the seven persons of interest were all armed with crude weapons at the time of the arrest; after their apprehension, they were taken into custody while they await a pending arraignment in court.
“During the operation, seven suspects were arrested while armed with crude weapons. They are currently in custody pending their arraignment in court,” NPS wrote.
Likewise, the National Police Service has reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Kenyans while calling on members of the public to continue sharing information on criminal gangs.
“The National Police Service reiterates its commitment to ensuring the safety and security of Kenyans by dismantling criminal gangs and urges members of the public to continue sharing timely information,” NPS said.
Gang’s in Nakuru
The Malindi crackdown on criminal gangs follows Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has direction to security agencies to intensify operations against gangs and drug trafficking in Nakuru.
Speaking during the Jukwaa la Usalama forum in Nakuru on August 12, 2025, Murkomen acknowledged that while security agencies have largely contained the gang problem in Nakuru, it remains a recurring challenge.
He said the gangs survive through petty theft and the sale of narcotics, fuelling insecurity in certain parts of the county.
“Nakuru also faces a recurring gang problem, though it is largely contained by our security agencies. The gangs sustain themselves through petty theft and selling drugs,” he stated.
“To stamp out the problem, we have ordered an immediate crackdown on drug trafficking and intensified police patrols in areas affected by the problem,” he added.