Detectives have arrested 14 youths and singled out seven estates in the capital where teenage gangs are taking root.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations said the swoop followed the death of 15-year-old Joshua Kubiti, who succumbed to injuries sustained during a gang assault over the weekend of August 24.
Umoja I, Umoja II, Umoja III, Tena, Innercore, Kariobangi and Kayole have been flagged as the most affected areas.
According to the DCI, rival crews with names such as Chinje, Mbogi, Bad Bunny and Silent are drawing in boys as young as 12, often during school holidays. “The boys, aged between 12 and 19, have formed rival groups,” the agency said, adding that the teenagers are linked to phone snatching, muggings and assaults across the listed neighbourhoods.
The suspects were picked up in a targeted operation led by Buruburu officers and have already been arraigned at the Makadara Law Courts, where detectives secured more time to hold them while investigations continue.
Kubiti’s killing sparked outrage after clips shared online showed teenagers brandishing crude weapons, issuing threats and mocking rival gangs.
Community elders have since held emergency meetings and urged police to step up patrols. In Embakasi West, one estate committee ordered a 6:00 pm curfew for minors.
A notice circulating on Whatsapp groups threatened action against groups of more than 5 children past those hours.
