A total of 14 teenagers—10 boys and four girls—have been arrested in connection with the growing menace of juvenile gangs in Umoja, Nairobi, after violent clashes claimed the life of a 15-year-old boy.
The suspects, aged between 12 and 19 years, were apprehended in a special operation led by detectives based in Buruburu before being presented at the Makadara Law Courts.
Authorities obtained orders to hold the minors as they pursue investigations into the death of Joshua Kubiti, who died at Radiant Hospital in Umoja after sustaining serious injuries during a brutal gang fight that was widely circulated on social media.
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According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the youths had formed rival groups under names such as Chinje, Mbogi, Bad Bunny, and Silent. These gangs are believed to be behind incidents of violent confrontations, phone snatching, and robberies in Umoja I, Umoja II, Umoja III, Tena, Innercore, Kayole, Kariobangi, and nearby neighbourhoods.
Police further noted that gang recruitment tends to intensify during school holidays, drawing more teenagers into criminal activity.
“A sustained crackdown against juvenile gangs and other criminal elements in Nairobi and across the country remains ongoing,” the DCI said in a statement issued on Wednesday.
By Joseph Mambili
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