Police in Athi River, Machakos County, apprehended six men and seized three motorcycles in the Ngelani area of Mavoko Subcounty. The arrests follow a period of heightened unrest and criminal activity in the local quarries, which have become a hotspot for violence and extortion.
The operation targeted individuals suspected of being involved in serious criminal activities, including threats to kill and causing disturbances. The six suspects had been on the run for some time before their capture. The police, comprising officers from Mavoko SNP and the Critical Infrastructure Protection Unit (CIPU), acted swiftly to address the escalating violence that has plagued the area.
According to a police report, the arrests were prompted by ongoing unrest within the Ngelani quarries. The report detailed that the suspects were apprehended for a range of offenses linked to the recent spate of violence. The three motorcycles seized during the operation were reportedly used to transport goons involved in the criminal activities. These vehicles were impounded at the local police station, and the suspects are scheduled to appear in court on Monday, September 2, 2024.
The unrest in the Mavoko quarries, particularly in Ngelani, has been a growing concern for local authorities. For months, there have been reports of extortion and gang-related skirmishes that have alarmed both residents and security officials. Senior police officers in Machakos County had previously voiced their concerns about the high levels of impunity and insecurity in the area.
Reports indicate that criminal cartels operating within the quarries have been involved in violent disputes, with rival groups clashing over territory and resources. These confrontations have often resulted in injuries and fatalities, further escalating tensions in the region. The cartels are alleged to have been transporting individuals from Nairobi to partake in these violent conflicts, exacerbating the sense of insecurity among local residents.
The situation reached a critical point when local communities raised their voices about the increasing violence and the fear it instilled in their daily lives. The residents reported frequent attacks by gangs, leading to a pervasive sense of insecurity in the area. The involvement of outsiders and the rising number of sudden deaths reported from the region had added to the growing anxiety among locals.
In response to the escalating crisis, Eastern Regional Police Commander Joseph Ole Napeiyan issued a stern warning to local police chiefs to intensify their efforts in curbing the criminal activities. Napeiyan emphasized the need for decisive action against the cartels and the goons causing mayhem in the quarries. He instructed his officers to conduct thorough investigations into the causes of the sudden deaths and take necessary measures to prevent further incidents.
The crackdown in Mavoko is part of a broader effort by law enforcement to restore order and address the criminal activities that have destabilized the region. The operation highlights the commitment of the Kenyan police to tackling organized crime and ensuring the safety and security of local communities.
As the suspects prepare to face the legal system, the authorities are hopeful that this intervention will serve as a deterrent to other criminal elements operating in the area. The ongoing investigation aims to dismantle the criminal networks and restore peace in the Mavoko quarries, allowing residents to live free from the threat of violence and intimidation.
