NAIROBI, Kenya — Detectives in Malindi have arrested a man suspected of orchestrating a series of violent robberies in Malindi and Mombasa, bringing to an end what investigators described as a carefully planned criminal operation involving a hired vehicle with altered registration plates.
The suspect, identified as Jesmshid Kadirbakshi, had been under surveillance following a robbery with violence reported in Mombasa on June 11, 2026.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Kadirbakshi allegedly rented a Toyota Fielder, registration number KDQ 085R, in Malindi before using it as a getaway vehicle during the robbery.
The detectives said the suspect later attempted to conceal the vehicle’s identity by changing its registration plate to KDS 223G in what investigators believe was an effort to evade detection.
“This crafty criminal hired a Toyota Fielder, Registration No. KDQ 085R in Malindi, only to transform it into a getaway car for his criminal escapades,” the DCI said.
The agency added that the vehicle was later linked to a robbery with violence incident in Mombasa.
Investigators said Kadirbakshi’s attempts to avoid arrest ultimately failed after detectives maintained close surveillance and tracked him to his hideout in the Kwachocha area of Malindi.
“But the long arm of the law was undeterred. Thanks to relentless surveillance, detectives trailed Kadirbakshi to his hideout in the Kwachocha area of Malindi, where they arrested him,” the DCI said.
During the arrest, officers recovered a knife and a black handbag containing cannabis sativa, which were seized as exhibits.
The suspect remains in police custody and is undergoing processing ahead of his arraignment in court.
“Now in custody, Kadirbakshi is being processed pending arraignment,” the DCI said.