Coast Gangs Exposed! Major Crackdown in Malindi Leads to 18 Arrests

Security agencies in Kilifi County have arrested 18 suspects following a major crackdown targeting criminal gangs in Malindi and its surrounding areas.

The operation, carried out on Monday night into early Tuesday morning, was led by a multi-agency team drawn from the National Police Service, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), General Service Unit (GSU) and local administration officers.

According to Kilifi County Police Commander Joseph Muriuki, the swoop was informed by months of intelligence gathering and increased public complaints about rising gang related crimes, including armed robberies, house break ins, drug trafficking and attacks on tourists.

We have been monitoring these groups for a long time. Last night’s operation marks a decisive step in restoring law and order in Malindi, Muriuki said during a press briefing.

The arrests were made across several hotspots, including Majengo, Muyeye, Shella and Kwa Chocha, areas authorities describe as recruitment and coordination zones for gang activity.

Police recovered several crude weapons, machetes, suspected stolen mobile phones, bhang and rolls of copper wiring believed to have been vandalized from power installations.

Detectives are also probing the suspects’ links to organized drug networks that allegedly use the coastal town as a transit point.

Residents expressed relief following the raid with many urging the government to sustain security patrols. We sleep in fear. These gangs have been terrorizing us and our businesses. We hope this continues,” said Malindi resident Asha Karisa.

Malindi Sub-County Administrator Fredrick Muoki commended locals for sharing tips that aided the arrests, while warning that the government would not tolerate lawlessness.

The suspects are being held at Malindi Police Station and are expected to be arraigned at the Malindi Law Courts as investigations continue.

Police assured visitors and residents that further operations would be conducted to neutralize remaining gang elements. “Malindi must remain safe for families, investors and tourists,” Muriuki affirmed.