A series of organized thefts, primarily targeting wine and spirits establishments along the Kiambu Road stretch, has dominated recent headlines.
The criminal enterprise met its downfall on Saturday. In a highly coordinated operation, a joint task force of detectives from both Nairobi and Kiambu successfully detained three individuals implicated in a daring gang that has been terrorizing owners of liquor stores across the city and its environs.
The suspects, noted for their precision and tactical execution, were finally tracked down after days of intense police surveillance and focused intelligence work.
The first breakthrough came via a crucial tip-off, which led the team to Ngara. There, they successfully ambushed two key suspects: Edward Muchiri Mureithi, known as Kazee, and Stephen Mwenda Ndung’u, who goes by Stevoo.
This notorious pair, known for their violent late-night raids, tried to outrun the police dragnet but were quickly overwhelmed. They abandoned a black Toyota Harrier, registration number KDS 791A, during their chaotic escape. Detectives seized the SUV as critical evidence for the ongoing investigation.
The operation continued seamlessly to Njiru Makongeni, where law enforcement successfully detained a third suspect, Martin Ndung’u Wangui. A black Toyota Noah (KCY 982C), suspected of being the transport vehicle for the looted alcohol, was recovered at the scene; the interior still carried the distinct odor of freshly spilled liquor.
Next, the focus shifted to Mugutha, Ruiru—the suspected refuge of the gang’s leader, Peter Muhia Njenga, who is still being pursued. Armed with a judicial search warrant, investigators searched his compound and recovered the following items:
- Two vehicle seats ripped out of the seized Toyota Noah.
- A recovered number plate (KCV 342G).
- Tools commonly used for break-ins.
- Several mobile communication devices.
- A hoodie matching the description of one captured on CCTV during a recent robbery.
The property was strewn with empty cartons of expensive spirits, confirming the extent of the gang’s looting activities. Investigators also recovered a herd of 25 bulls, believed to have been stolen and concealed at Njenga’s second residence in Njiru, awaiting sale. The livestock has been moved to Ruai Police Station as authorities work diligently to locate their rightful owners.
Meanwhile, the manhunt for Njenga, the suspected kingpin behind the violent robbery ring, has been significantly ramped up by the detective team.
