A 26-year-old man believed to be behind a series of violent robberies in Rweno and Kiambaa has been arrested in an operation that brought relief to many residents who had been living in fear.
The suspect, identified as Stephen Igogo Kariuki, was cornered by officers from Kiambaa Sub-County following a tip-off from members of the public.
For weeks, locals had reported cases of being attacked by a man armed with a pistol, and the arrest marks a significant breakthrough in efforts to restore security in the area.
Detectives said the operation took place in the Mifereji area of Ruaka where Kariuki was smoked out of his hideout after law enforcement acted swiftly on intelligence.
Once in custody, the suspect led officers to his residence, where a search was conducted.
During the search, police recovered a Retay Falcon pistol which investigators suspect has been used in several robbery incidents. The pistol is believed to have been the main weapon of choice in the violent attacks that left many residents traumatized.
The weapon has already been forwarded to the National Forensic Laboratory where ballistic experts will analyze it to determine whether it can be linked to previous crimes reported in the region.
Police believe that the results from the forensic tests will strengthen their case against Kariuki and possibly expose the full extent of his criminal activities.
The recovery of the pistol has also raised hopes that unsolved robbery cases in Kiambaa and Rweno could soon find closure.
Residents expressed relief upon learning of the arrest, noting that robberies had become frequent and many people avoided walking at night for fear of being attacked. With the suspect now in custody, security officers have assured the public that investigations will continue to ensure justice is served.
Kariuki remains locked up as detectives continue gathering more evidence before presenting him in court.
Authorities said once investigations are complete, he will be arraigned to face robbery-related charges.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has encouraged members of the public to continue sharing information that can help in tackling crime.
They emphasized that Kariuki’s arrest was made possible because residents came forward with crucial details that guided the police operation.
Security agencies have also urged Kenyans not to shy away from reporting suspicious activities through toll-free and anonymous channels provided.
The arrest of Kariuki sends a strong message that law enforcement remains committed to dealing with criminals who disturb the peace and safety of communities.
While the region may take time to recover from the fear caused by the robberies, many believe this arrest is a step towards restoring normalcy and deterring others who may want to follow the same path.
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