MTWAPA, Kenya — February 23, 2026 — Authorities have arrested David Juma Mweru, a notorious criminal who had eluded police for months, as part of an ongoing security crackdown targeting criminal gangs along the Coast region.
Mweru, wanted in connection with multiple robbery incidents, was apprehended in Mtwapa after detectives acted on credible intelligence.
Law enforcement sources said the suspect had repeatedly evaded capture by frequently changing hideouts, demonstrating a calculated effort to remain at large.
During a thorough search of Mweru’s residence, police recovered five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition hidden in a yellow carrier bag, raising concerns about potential violent intent.
The suspect is now in custody, and investigations are ongoing to establish the full extent of his criminal network and identify any possible accomplices.
Notorious Fugitive Nabbed as Security Crackdown Tightens Grip on Criminal GangsThe momentum of the ongoing security operation across the Coast region continues to gather pace, delivering yet another decisive blow to criminal networks that have long sought to destabilize the
The arrest marks a significant success in the Coast region’s enhanced security operations, which aim to dismantle criminal syndicates that have long terrorized local communities.
Security officials emphasized that the operation is part of a broader effort to safeguard lives, protect property, and restore public confidence.
“This arrest sends a clear message to all criminal gangs: there is no safe haven in our communities,” said a senior Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) official.
“Our operations will continue relentlessly until these networks are dismantled.”
The Coast region has seen an uptick in targeted operations in recent months, as authorities seek to tackle organized crime and curb violent robberies and other illicit activities.
Mweru’s capture is expected to yield vital intelligence that could help law enforcement preempt future criminal acts.
Residents have welcomed the move, noting that visible law enforcement presence and decisive action are key to restoring a sense of security in coastal towns such as Mombasa, Malindi, and Kilifi.
With security forces maintaining a tight grip on criminal activities, authorities remain committed to ensuring that fugitives and gang members can no longer exploit gaps in the system to threaten the public.
As investigations continue, the DCI has called on the public to report any suspicious activity to support ongoing operations, reinforcing the message that cooperation between law enforcement and communities is vital to defeating organized crime.
