Police have launched a crackdown following a series of robberies along Thika Highway on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, where a group of rowdy youth attacked motorists and pedestrians after a rally by President William Ruto.
In a statement released on Thursday, March 13, 2025, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) confirmed that at least eight individuals have been arrested in connection with the incident.
“In response to a disturbing series of attacks and robberies targeting innocent members of the public along Thika Highway on March 11, 2025, Police officers have launched a crackdown to apprehend and prosecute those responsible for these criminal acts and ensure public safety is restored,” DCI stated.
Arrests made
DCI identified one of the arrested individuals as John Junior Oginga, who was armed with a knife when he attacked and robbed an unsuspecting victim of an Oppo A77S mobile phone valued at Ksh 28,000.
“Oginga was apprehended along Thika Highway and was escorted to Pangani Police Station,” the statement read.
Additionally, seven other individuals—Jared Nyanza, Darlin Lande, Daniel Okombe, Mike Robert, Elvis Otieno, Reagan Omondi, and Mathenge Gachiri—were arrested for robbing motorists and pedestrians in Mathare Area 4.
“The suspects were escorted to Muthaiga Police Station,” DCI said.
Police recovered seven brand-new shirts believed to be stolen property from their possession.
“All the suspects were processed and subsequently arraigned,” the DCI statement said.
“Police officers have intensified their crackdown to bring to justice additional suspects involved in these criminal acts,” DCI added.
Thika Road incident
Motorists plying Thika Road on Tuesday afternoon were caught off guard by a mob that stormed the highway, causing mayhem and stealing from road users.
Videos circulating on social media showed the group of youth blocking sections of the road, forcefully taking personal belongings from motorists and pedestrians.
Some drivers were seen using clubs and other makeshift weapons to defend themselves from the attackers.
The incident forced some motorists to divert to alternative routes as warnings circulated online, advising road users to avoid the area.
“As of now, avoid Thika Road at the KCA service lane. There is a group of people who are robbing people and even getting inside vehicles. National Police Service we need a serious backup now,” read a post on the Sikika Road Safety Facebook page on March 11, 2025.
