Nakuru, Kenya — A sixth suspect has been arrested in the ongoing police investigation into a series of violent robberies that have unsettled the town of Nakuru.
Elijah Kimani Kinyanjui was taken into custody on Tuesday evening during a sting operation in the Mzee wa Nyama area. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed his arrest in a statement released Wednesday morning.
Officers say they found items linked to a recent robbery in Kinyanjui’s possession. The items had reportedly been stolen at gunpoint from a resident of Pakawa estate.
“He will be joined to the existing case involving the other suspects who have already been charged,” the DCI said.
This latest arrest comes just two days after authorities detained seven other individuals, among them a recently released ex-convict. Police believe the group may be behind a string of brazen, and increasingly violent, robberies in the region.
The situation turned deadly on Sunday night. A police constable was shot and killed while patrolling the Freehold area. Two fellow officers were injured—one hit in the stomach, the other in the shoulder. Both are being treated at Nakuru Level Five Hospital.
Outside the DCI offices in Nakuru, police displayed an AK-47 rifle recovered during the arrests. The weapon is believed to have been used in the attacks.
“This is not just another case,” a senior officer told reporters on condition of anonymity. “We are dealing with a gang that’s not afraid to shoot.”
So far, six suspects remain in custody over the officer’s murder. Investigators say the probe is far from over and more arrests could follow.
Nakuru residents have expressed growing concern over the safety of their streets.
“I’m afraid to walk home late,” said Mary Wambui, a shopkeeper in the town centre. “We need more patrols. These gangs don’t fear anyone.”
Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity.
As the investigation deepens, authorities say they’re determined to break the network behind the attacks.
“We’ll follow every lead until this gang is dismantled,” the DCI said.
