NAIROBI, Kenya- Police have arrested a former Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) Special Forces officer believed to be linked to a series of criminal activities that have terrorised residents in Nairobi’s Eastlands area.
The suspect was apprehended during a security operation in Kayole following weeks of investigations and intelligence gathering by detectives pursuing organised criminal networks operating within the city.
According to investigators, the former soldier is suspected of being involved in violent robberies and coordinated criminal activities that have recently caused fear among residents in several Eastlands estates.
Authorities said the arrest followed mounting complaints over rising insecurity in parts of Kayole and neighbouring areas, where armed gangs have reportedly been targeting residents, businesses and motorists.
During the operation, detectives reportedly recovered items believed to connect the suspect to ongoing criminal investigations.
Police have not yet disclosed the full details of the recovered exhibits as investigations continue.
Security agencies are also probing whether the suspect was working alone or was part of a larger criminal syndicate operating within Nairobi.
The arrest has shocked many residents due to the suspect’s military background, with investigators now seeking to establish how the former elite officer allegedly transitioned into criminal activity after leaving service.
Sources familiar with the investigations indicated that the suspect’s Special Forces training may have helped him evade security dragnets for some time.
The former officer is currently being held in police custody pending further investigations and possible arraignment in court.
The arrest comes amid intensified police operations targeting armed gangs and organised criminal groups in Nairobi’s Eastlands area, which has experienced rising insecurity in recent months.
Security agencies have repeatedly warned that some criminal gangs are increasingly using military-style tactics and weapons during robberies and attacks.
Residents in Kayole and surrounding estates have in recent weeks raised concerns over muggings, armed robberies and attacks by suspected gangs, particularly during late evening hours.
Police have assured the public that operations to dismantle criminal networks in Eastlands will continue.
Authorities are also urging members of the public to share information that could help security agencies track down criminals and improve security in affected neighbourhoods.
