Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) says it has identified suspects believed to be behind a series of armed robberies that struck businesses in Nairobi’s Westlands area and the coastal town of Watamu, as detectives intensify a nationwide manhunt.
Investigators believe the attacks were carried out by the same organised criminal group after forensic analysis linked the incidents through communication records, digital evidence and similarities in how the robberies were executed.
According to the DCI, the suspects targeted high-end restaurants and shopping centres, carrying out the attacks in broad daylight. Officers say the gang members acted in a coordinated manner, drawing concealed pistols at the same time before robbing diners and shoppers of expensive electronics, jewellery and cash.
The investigation gained momentum after security cameras captured clear images of the suspects during both incidents. Detectives have since analysed the footage alongside forensic evidence to identify those believed to have taken part.
“We have already made some major breakthroughs. Our team has managed to profile and get the identities of the suspects who are on the run, but we will soon catch up with them. We are working on cracking these criminal gangs,” DCI Director Mohamed Amin told Citizen Digital.
Police also recovered the motorcycle believed to have been used as the gang’s getaway vehicle following the robbery at Watamu Mall, providing investigators with another key piece of evidence.
A specialised team of DCI detectives is now tracking the suspects across several counties as the operation expands.
The agency has appealed to members of the public to share any information, photographs or video recordings that could help identify or locate the suspects. Authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to report it at the nearest police station or through the DCI’s toll-free hotlines.
The investigation remains ongoing, and no arrests had been announced by Thursday afternoon.
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