Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested three suspects believed to be behind a series of violent robberies targeting wine and spirits shops across Nairobi and its outskirts.
The arrests follow an intensive multi-agency operation between officers from Nairobi and Kiambu counties.
According to the DCI, the gang had been operating with “military precision,” staging coordinated night raids on liquor outlets before disappearing with stock worth thousands of shillings.
Their crime spree came to an abrupt end after days of intelligence-led surveillance and close tracking by detectives.
The operation began in Ngara, where two suspects — Edward Muchiri Mureithi, alias Kazee, and Stephen Mwenda Ndung’u, alias Stevoo — were arrested. The pair attempted to flee but were cornered and subdued after a brief chase.
A black Toyota Harrier, registration KDS 791A, which the suspects abandoned while trying to escape, was impounded as part of ongoing investigations.
Acting on fresh leads, the detectives later moved to Njiru Makongeni, where a third suspect, Martin Ndung’u Wangui, was arrested.
At the scene, officers recovered a black Toyota Noah (KCY 982C) believed to have been used to transport stolen liquor. Detectives said the vehicle still bore traces of spilled alcohol, indicating it had been used shortly after a robbery.
The crackdown then shifted to Mugutha, Ruiru, the suspected hideout of the ring’s mastermind, Peter Muhia Njenga, who remains at large.
Armed with a search warrant, detectives combed through his compound and discovered two car seats believed to have been removed from the seized Noah, a number plate (KCV 342G), break-in tools, several mobile phones, and a black hoodie matching one captured in CCTV footage during a recent raid.
Scattered across the compound were empty cartons of high-end liquor brands, suggesting a large-scale looting operation. Investigators also discovered a herd of 25 bulls suspected to be stolen and kept at Njenga’s secondary residence in Njiru.
The animals have since been moved to Ruai Police Station as efforts to trace their rightful owners continue.
The DCI has intensified the manhunt for Njenga, believed to be the mastermind behind the organized robbery syndicate.
Members of the public have been urged to share information that may assist in his capture by contacting DCI through the toll-free number 0800 722 203 or via WhatsApp at 0709 570 000.
“Usiogope — report anonymously and help us keep our communities safe,” the DCI urged in a statement.
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