DCI sleuths lauded for ‘impressive’ work despite high insecurity in Athi River

DCI HQ/FILE

Residents of Athi River Sub-county have applauded detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for arresting three suspects linked to a violent robbery that occurred in February this year.

The suspects were arrested on May 5 after nearly two months of investigation. All three are now in police custody.

They are accused of orchestrating a robbery with violence at a private company in Kinanie, Machakos County, on February 23, 2025.

According to police, the suspects, armed with crude weapons and accompanied by two other accomplices still at large, stormed the premises, assaulted workers, and held them hostage before fleeing with stolen property.

The stolen items included a fridge, a microwave, two lorry batteries, two tractor batteries, and a generator, which they allegedly loaded into a waiting pickup.

Detectives tracked down the alleged ringleader to a rented house in Kamulu. During a search, officers recovered a Beretta pistol, tactical trousers, a pocket phone, six SIM cards, and other evidence.

He later led police to an estate in Athi River, where the other two suspects were arrested.

Locals praised the DCI for the arrests, calling the operation a sign of renewed effectiveness.

“It’s impressive to see suspects arrested nearly two months after the robbery. I thought justice would never come for the victims,” said one resident.

Another said, “We appreciate the arrests, but we also hope police will prevent crimes before they happen.”

Many residents attributed the improved police performance to recent changes in the leadership of the Athi River DCI office and urged the team to maintain the momentum.

Meanwhile, concerns over general insecurity persist in the area.

Residents pointed to other unresolved cases, including a recent suspected arson attack in the Tuff Foam area.

Isaac Mutuku, a local businessman, said he lost property worth more than Sh400,000 after unknown attackers burned down mabati structures he had set up along the Nairobi–Mombasa highway.

The plot, a road reserve under the Kenya National Highways Authority, housed a tree nursery and small livestock, all of which were destroyed in the fire.

“My operations on that land were temporary and transparent. I reared rabbits, chickens, ducks, and dogs, and had employed 10 youths who are now jobless,” Mutuku said.

He claimed the attack was meant to force him off the land and added that officials from a government agency who recently visited the site were chased away by goons.

Residents say while the recent arrests are encouraging, there’s a need for a broader strategy to tackle crime and protect livelihoods.

“We need to feel safe every day, not just when a major robbery happens. The DCI should keep up the pressure on criminals,” said a local leader.

As investigations continue and authorities pursue the remaining suspects, the community remains hopeful that justice and security will be upheld across the entire sub-county.