Mulembe Times – Naivasha, Kenya
Seven suspects linked to a string of robberies around Naivasha town, who were arrested on May 4, 2025. | PHOTO: DCI
Seven suspects have been arrested in Naivasha over a string of robberies. Police recovered a toy-like Retay Falcon pistol used to threaten victims. Investigations into the gang’s activities are ongoing.
Police in Naivasha, Nakuru County, on Sunday arrested seven individuals believed to be behind a series of robberies that have recently unsettled residents of the busy Rift Valley town. The suspects were apprehended following a coordinated intelligence-led operation carried out by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
According to a statement issued by the DCI, the suspects — identified as Patrick Handi (45), David Muchina (34), Grace Wanjiru (33), Erick Kabiru (32), Hassan Jamal (32), Christopher Kimani (30), and Ronny Muturi (30) — were intercepted in Naivasha town while traveling in a grey Mazda Demio believed to have been used in multiple criminal activities.
The arrests followed several tip-offs from members of the public, who had reported suspicious movements involving a vehicle that matched the description of the one used in recent muggings and attempted robberies in Naivasha and surrounding areas.
The Arrest and Discovery
“Upon stopping the vehicle and conducting a quick search,” said the DCI in a press release, “our officers recovered a concealed Retay Falcon pistol hidden under the rear left seat of the car. Although it is classified as a blank-firing pistol — unable to discharge live rounds — it had been used by the gang to intimidate and rob unsuspecting victims.”
The Retay Falcon is a replica firearm that closely resembles a real pistol, making it difficult for the average person to distinguish it from a deadly weapon. According to authorities, this made it an effective tool of fear and coercion for the suspects.
“This weapon, though harmless in a technical sense, was the gang’s secret intimidation tool,” the DCI added. “It was used to threaten and instill fear in their victims, many of whom complied out of terror.”
Police have not ruled out the possibility that the same group may have used the pistol in other locations across the region, and investigations are ongoing to establish the full scope of their activities.
Public Safety and Crime Prevention
The arrest comes as a relief to Naivasha residents, some of whom had expressed growing concern over the rise in street-level robberies, especially targeting pedestrians and boda boda operators.
“We’ve seen several people mugged in the past two weeks,” said James Kariuki, a local trader at the Naivasha main stage. “Some of the victims said they were shown a gun, and it’s terrifying. We’re glad the police are acting on this.”
Police have urged the public to remain vigilant and to continue sharing information with law enforcement to aid in the fight against organized and petty crime. Officers say that cooperation between citizens and the police has played a critical role in recent successful operations.
Suspects to be Arraigned
All seven suspects were taken into custody and are currently being held at Naivasha Police Station, where they await arraignment. They are expected to face charges related to attempted robbery, possession of an imitation firearm with intent to commit a crime, and conspiracy to commit a felony.
The DCI said it is working with the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (ODPP) to ensure that the case is handled swiftly and fairly.
As investigations continue, detectives have appealed to anyone who may have fallen victim to similar robberies in recent weeks to come forward and assist with identification.
Conclusion
The arrest of the seven suspects is a significant development in ongoing efforts to restore public confidence in security operations in Naivasha. While the pistol recovered may not have had the ability to kill, the trauma inflicted on victims through threats and intimidation cannot be understated.
Residents are hopeful that the latest breakthrough marks the beginning of tighter enforcement and safer streets in Naivasha.
