DCI arrest 6 in sting operation targeting dreaded gang
By Charles Ouma, February 20, 2026The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested six people in a sting operation targeting members of the dreaded “panga boys” gang.
The six persons of interest were arrested as part of an ongoing coordinated operation in the Coast region targeting violent criminal gangs.
DCI confirmed the arrest in a statement on Friday, February 20, 2026, noting that the operation is paying off, with safety steadily being reinforced.
“Safety is steadily being reinforced across Kenya’s Coast following a coordinated crackdown by security agencies in Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale targeting violent criminal gangs that have unsettled communities in recent weeks,” DCI said.
Drugs and weapons recovered
The statement explained that the arrest was a result of actionable intelligence, adding that the six are linked to violent attacks commonly associated with “panga boys”.
“Acting on actionable intelligence, detectives executed targeted operations against profiled gang members linked to violent attacks commonly associated with the so-called “panga boys.”
“All suspects are currently undergoing processing as detectives advance investigations into multiple related incidents that remain under active review. Security agencies maintain heightened vigilance and continue to pursue remaining members and facilitators of these criminal cells,” the statement read in part.
The operation also saw sleuths recover a cache of crude weapons and narcotic substances linked to violent crime and drug-related activities in the area.
“Officers also recovered assorted crude weapons and narcotic substances during the arrests. The recoveries corroborate prior intelligence assessments linking the suspects and their networks to both violent intimidation and drug-related activities,” DCI added.
Operation against crime in the region
According to the DCI, the seizure of weapons alongside narcotics highlights the compound threat posed by organised criminal elements to public order and community safety.
“The recoveries corroborate prior intelligence assessments linking the suspects and their networks to both violent intimidation and drug-related activities. The seizure of weapons alongside narcotics highlights the compound threat posed by these organised criminal elements to public order and community safety,” DCI said.
DCI emphasised its commitment to wiping out criminal elements and ensuring sustained security across the Coast region in the operation that is ongoing.