18 arrested in crackdown on criminal gangs in Malindi
By Nancy Marende, December 30, 2025At least 18 persons of interest have been arrested in Malindi following a police crackdown targeting criminal gangs accused of terrorising residents in the town and its surrounding areas.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the operation was conducted in the Muyeye and Milano areas, where law enforcement officers carried out coordinated raids to dismantle criminal networks operating in the region.
In a statement on Monday, December 29, 2025, the DCI revealed that during the operation, police recovered several stolen items, including mobile phones and a television set, as well as crude weapons believed to have been used by the persons of interest during their criminal activities.
“The persons of interest are in custody as investigators process them ahead of their arraignment,” read the statement in part.
Further, the DCI has reiterated its commitment to safeguarding lives and property, particularly during the festive season, assuring the public that measures are in place to ensure communities across the country celebrate in peace.
Members of the public have been urged to continue partnering with the DCI by reporting suspicious activities.
“Call 0800 722 203 (Toll-free) or WhatsApp at 0709 570 000 to report anonymously. Usiogope!”
Criminal Gangs in Nairobi
The arrest comes a few weeks after the regional Commissioner Gilbert Kitiyo revealed that Nairobi is currently facing a serious challenge from organised criminal gangs, with approximately 126 groups operating under various names, including “Siafu”.
These gangs are involved in violent and criminal activities that threaten public safety and disrupt communities across the city.
Speaking on a local radio station on Wednesday, December 17, 2025, Kitiyo said security teams have developed a detailed database mapping these gangs, their leaders, telephone contacts, operational areas and patterns.
This mapping allows authorities to track suspects effectively and conduct targeted arrests.
Kitiyo explained that the information gathered is helping officials take decisive action against gang members.
“In Nairobi, we have recorded approximately 126 criminal gangs operating under various names, such as ‘Siafu’. We do very clear mapping where we identify those groups and their gang leaders and their telephone numbers, how they operate and where they operate. In October, we launched a program called the RRI on insecurity and organised crimes. We did mapping to understand these groups, and now we are targeting individuals and we are arresting them,” he said.