Nine arrested in operation against 'Panga Boys' in Kwale

Nine suspects were arrested in a crackdown on the notorious Panga Boys gang in Msambweni sub-county, Kwale County, on April 4, 2025.

The operation, which involved a multi-agency team from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) and the Kenya Police, targeted an armed criminal gang that has been terrorizing the region.

Coast Regional Commander Ali Nunow confirmed the arrests, stating that the suspects were being processed for further legal action.

The operation, based on intelligence gathering, resulted in the recovery of a variety of items, including 11 pangas, five slashers, a hacksaw, knives, 26 sachets of cannabis sativa, five mobile phones, a toy gun, and various other items such as scissors and hats suspected to be used for facial concealment.

This crackdown comes just days after a similar operation in Kisauni, where 51 suspected Panga Boys members were arrested.

Police have been intensifying efforts to curb the spread of criminal gangs in the coastal region, particularly in areas known for their involvement in illicit activities.

The Kisauni operation focused on neighborhoods like Corner Ya Kisauni, Jocham Hospital, and Mwandoni, among others, and resulted in the recovery of five tuk-tuks believed to have been used in phone-snatching crimes.

In a related development, police arrested 120 more suspects connected to the machete-wielding gang in Kwale County.

The crackdown followed a violent attack on locals in Diani, where residents were robbed, and several others were injured in the process.

Police have so far taken 63 suspects to court, while 33 others remain in custody as investigations continue.

The rise of such gangs has sparked concern from both local residents and businesses in the tourism-dependent region.

One such alarming incident occurred on March 22, when the gang, posing as protestors, attacked a 29-year-old man, robbed business owners, and injured several individuals who resisted.

Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, determined to dismantle these criminal networks and restore peace to the region.