Kwale, Kenya — Law enforcement officials have apprehended four suspects linked to the notorious ‘Panga Boys’ gang following a violent robbery in Kwale County. The arrests took place on February 6, when the individuals were discovered in their hideout in Mbuwani village.
The incident that prompted the arrests occurred on the night of January 22, 2026. A local resident was violently attacked by the suspects, who were reportedly armed with machetes, known locally as pangas. The assailants not only stole the victim’s mobile phone but also inflicted severe injuries, including cuts to his head and hand.
During their operation, police recovered multiple pangas they believe were used in the attack, along with six mobile phones thought to be stolen. The suspects were taken to the Diani Police Station, where they are currently awaiting further investigation and subsequent charges.
The arrests mark a significant step in ongoing efforts by authorities to reduce violent crime in the coastal region. Security operations aimed at dismantling criminal gangs have intensified recently, a response to rising concerns over safety among residents.
In a related incident earlier, detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations arrested a suspect involved in a violent robbery captured on CCTV while attacking a watchman in Mombasa. The footage, which depicted the suspect brandishing a panga during the assault, led to a swift police operation resulting in his capture at a guest house in Bondeni.
Following that robbery, investigators discovered a blood-stained panga and several mobile phones at the suspect’s hideout, reinforcing the urgency of addressing violent crime in the area.
Local leaders, including Nyali MP Mohammed Ali, have expressed alarm over the increasing instances of violent robberies in Mombasa, Kwale, and Kilifi counties. They have called on Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to enhance security measures to protect citizens and combat the growing threat of crime.