Eight suspected members of a notorious criminal gang have been arrested in Malindi following a high-level multi-agency security operation aimed at dismantling organised crime networks in the coastal town.
Among those apprehended is the gang’s alleged leader, Abdalla Matano Abdalla, alias Dalla, who was arrested during the early stages of the operation.
Authorities say he later led detectives to several gang hideouts located in the NAT and Kwa Famau areas of Maweni, where further arrests were made.
The suspects taken into custody include:
- Cosmos Kesi Kalama, alias Bweko
- Erick Alex Lewa, alias Generali
- Edwin Ondiro Onyonyi, alias Last
- Simon Alex Kalama, alias Desai
- Joseph Masha, alias Thee
- Moses Kwicha Mzee, alias Timoteo
- Salim Ali Safari, alias Mzukulu
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the eight are believed to be key members of the feared gang known as Team Nati Dread, which has been linked to a spate of violent robberies, assaults, and extortion across Malindi and surrounding areas.
In a shocking twist during the gang’s most recent criminal activities, one of the suspects, Generali, reportedly lost his wrist while attempting to rob a resident.
The severed limb was recovered at the scene and is currently being preserved at the Malindi Sub-County Hospital Mortuary as part of ongoing investigations.
“The suspects are in custody, where they are undergoing profiling and processing ahead of their arraignment in court,” the DCI said in a statement released Friday.
Authorities believe the arrest of these individuals will significantly disrupt the gang’s operations and restore a sense of safety in the region.
The crackdown is part of a broader national strategy targeting organised criminal groups that have been causing fear and insecurity in urban and rural communities.
Police have also issued a stern warning to other criminal elements operating in the area, stating that such operations will continue until all gangs are dismantled.
“This is just the beginning. We are determined to rid our towns of criminal gangs and ensure the safety and wellbeing of all Kenyans,” said a senior security official involved in the operation.
Residents have welcomed the arrests, expressing relief and calling for continued vigilance from the authorities.
