A major breakthrough has brought relief to traders across Kajiado, Kiambu and Nairobi counties after the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) dismantled a criminal syndicate linked to a series of robbery with violence and murder incidents.

In a statement shared on its official X account, the DCI announced the arrest of key suspects believed to be behind coordinated attacks on wines and spirits outlets in the affected regions.

“A wave of relief is sweeping across Kajiado County, Kiambu County and Nairobi following the decisive arrest of key suspects linked to a string of robbery with violence and murder incidents,” the agency stated.

For months, traders reportedly lived in fear as a gang armed with crude weapons executed swift and calculated raids. The criminals would allegedly steal cash and alcoholic stock, vandalize premises and, in some cases, leave behind fatalities.

According to the DCI, what initially appeared to be isolated attacks revealed “a chilling pattern: coordinated surveillance, targeted attacks, and an organized chain for disposal of stolen goods.”

The suspected mastermind, Peter Muhia Njenga, was arrested in Nakuru County after what detectives described as weeks of forensic tracking and surveillance. His arrest was termed “a critical breakthrough in unmasking the structure of the criminal enterprise.”

Detectives also apprehended John Mugo Nderito in Ruiru, believed to be the receiver and distributor of stolen alcoholic consignments, and Elisha Njeri Katito in Juja, who is suspected to have facilitated transport and surveillance logistics.

Following the arrests, victims from Ongata Rongai and Karen have reportedly flocked to Kikuyu Police Station to identify recovered goods, including alcoholic products marked with unique identifiers.

Meanwhile, forensic experts from the DCI’s Photographic Imaging and Acoustics Unit are analyzing CCTV footage to “corroborate witness statements and strengthen the prosecution’s case.”

The suspects remain in custody pending arraignment, as police continue investigations. The DCI also commended members of the public for sharing crucial information, noting that “security is a shared responsibility, and together we are dismantling organized crime one syndicate at a time.”