In Ruaka, Kiambu County, six suspected robbers were apprehended and six police communication devices were recovered from them. Additionally, two toy pistols were seized during the early morning incident on Tuesday.
According to Kiambaa Sub County Police Commander Pius Mwanthi, the suspects attempted to break into a house around 11 a.m. When the alarm was triggered, the occupants of the apartment managed to alert the authorities.
The suspects, initially believing the apartment was unoccupied, fled when they realized the occupants were present. They then escaped by boarding a matatu bound for Nairobi.
Police on patrol were promptly notified and provided with the matatu’s details. The vehicle was intercepted shortly after, and the suspects were taken into custody.
The arrested individuals, aged between 20 and 27, also had house-breaking tools in their possession. They are currently being held pending arraignment.
The police reported a rise in housebreaking incidents in the area despite ongoing containment efforts. Investigations are underway to gather more information about the suspects’ activities, including potential raids on their residences.
Authorities noted that many burglaries are facilitated by collusion between the robbers and security guards. Stolen goods are often sold abroad, complicating efforts to track them.
In addition to Ruaka, similar spikes in burglary and theft have been reported in estates such as Kitsuru, Kilimani, Kileleshwa, Nairobi West, and Lang’ata. Police have made several arrests and have pending cases related to burglary and theft in Kilimani, Kileleshwa, and Upper Hill areas in Nairobi.
“These criminals target electronics and other valuables,” said the police.
