KWALE, Kenya — Police in Kwale have arrested four suspected members of a violent criminal group commonly known as the Panga Boys, following a robbery with violence that left a local resident seriously injured.
The suspects were arrested during an operation in Mbuwani Village after officers from the National Police Service (NPS) tracked them to a hideout days after the attack, which occurred on the night of January 22, 2026.
According to police, the four men allegedly ambushed a resident while armed with pangas, assaulted him, and robbed him of his mobile phone.
The victim sustained deep cuts to the head and hand before the attackers fled the scene.
During the arrest, officers recovered four pangas believed to have been used in the attack, as well as six mobile phones suspected to be stolen property.
FOUR GANG MEMBERS ARRESTED FOLLOWING VIOLENT ATTACK IN KWALE COUNTYOfficers from the National Police Service today arrested four suspects believed to be members of the notorious “Panga Boys” organised gang.The suspects were apprehended at their hideout in Mbuwani Village,
The suspects were later transferred to Diani Police Station, where they are being held as investigations continue ahead of their expected arraignment in court.
Police say the arrests are part of intensified security operations aimed at dismantling organised criminal gangs operating in the coastal region.
“The National Police Service remains committed to restoring safety and bringing perpetrators of violent crime to justice,” police said in a statement, urging residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by sharing information.
Kwale County has in recent months witnessed heightened police patrols and intelligence-led operations targeting armed gangs blamed for a spike in robberies and violent attacks.
