By Brian Kiprono - Reporter
Kenya, 10 May 2026 - Residents of Gitwamba in Trans Nzoia are hoping for calmer days after police arrested 13 suspected gang members during a security operation targeting criminal networks blamed for spreading fear in the area.
The arrests were made during a multi-agency operation conducted on Saturday as authorities intensified efforts to break up gangs linked to violence, theft, intimidation and vandalism.
In a statement, the National Police Service (NPS) said the operation was part of a wider campaign to restore safety in communities affected by organised crime.
“The National Police Service remains committed to dismantling criminal gangs that threaten peace, undermine public confidence, and disrupt normal livelihoods through acts of violence, theft, intimidation, vandalism, and other unlawful activities,” the statement said.
Police described the raid as an intelligence-led operation carried out by a joint security team in the troubled Gitwamba area.
“In a continued effort to restore law and order, a multi-agency security team in Trans Nzoia County yesterday conducted a successful operation in the Gitwamba area, leading to the arrest of 13 suspects linked to criminal gang activities and other related offences,” NPS said.
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Authorities did not immediately release the names of the suspects but confirmed that investigations are ongoing before they are charged in court.
The crackdown comes amid growing concern over the rise of criminal gangs in different parts of the country, especially in urban settlements and fast-growing towns where residents have increasingly reported cases of extortion, violent robberies and drug-related crime.
Security agencies estimate that more than 100 organised gangs are currently active across Kenya.