Police in Garissa have arrested two suspects believed to be linked to a series of robbery-with-violence cases reported across the region. The suspects were arrested on Tuesday, September 29, 2026, by officers from Garissa Police Station during a coordinated operation targeting individuals linked to violent robberies in the area. The operation was conducted in Bulla Sagarey, and the suspects were allegedly found armed with machetes.
The National Police Service (NPS) confirmed the arrests, stating that the suspects were taken to Garissa Police Station. According to the NPS, the two suspects are suspected of being involved in several violent robberies reported in different parts of the region. However, police did not provide details of the reported robberies, including when the incidents occurred, how many people were affected, or the property allegedly stolen.
The arrests form part of ongoing efforts by security agencies to deal with violent crime and improve policing across the country. The NPS said the operation was part of wider efforts to disrupt criminal networks and improve public safety. The service remains committed to dismantling criminal networks countrywide and guaranteeing public safety and security.
The National Police Service Commission (NPSC) has previously pointed to operational demands and funding shortages as some of the challenges facing policing. In March 2026, the commission said it required additional funding to meet its operational obligations and support its expanded mandate. The NPSC has also called for stronger police resources as part of wider efforts to improve the service.
Garissa is among the counties where the NPSC has established a regional presence. The commission said it had acquired, refurbished, and equipped regional offices in Garissa, Mombasa, Kakamega, and Kisumu, with 31 staff deployed across the four offices as part of efforts to take its services closer to the public. This move aims to enhance police services and address regional security concerns.
The latest arrests highlight the continued use of intelligence gathering and information from the public in efforts to identify suspected criminal groups. The NPS urged residents to stay alert and report suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through its emergency and crime-reporting channels. The service provided 999 and 911 as emergency numbers, alongside the Directorate of Criminal Investigations' toll-free #FichuaKwaDCI line on 0800 722 203 and WhatsApp number 0709 570 000.
The suspects are expected to appear in court after police complete the necessary processing. The case will then move to court, where the allegations against the two suspects will be considered. They remain presumed innocent unless proven guilty by a court. The Garissa operation points to the continued focus on intelligence-led policing as security agencies seek to identify suspected offenders and prevent further violent crime.
Key points
- Two suspects were arrested in Garissa for their alleged involvement in a series of violent robberies.
- The arrests were made following an intelligence-led operation in Bulla Sagarey.
- The National Police Service remains committed to dismantling criminal networks and guaranteeing public safety.
