Police Arrest Four Suspected ‘Panga Boys’ Gang Members in Mtwapa Crackdown

Mombasa, Kenya — 2025-09-18 23:00 EAT. Police in Mombasa have arrested four suspected members of the notorious Panga Boys gang in an intelligence-led operation in Mtwapa, recovering weapons linked to recent violent robberies in the area.

The Latest

• Officers from Mtwapa Police Station recovered three pangas and a dagger after raiding a gang hideout in the Labour–Mtomondoni area

• The suspects are linked to a string of robberies in Nyali, some caught on CCTV showing pedestrians being assaulted at night.

• Police say the four will be arraigned in court as investigations continue.

Context in Brief

• The Panga Boys gang has been terrorising residents of Mtwapa and Nyali for months, prompting repeated public outcry.

• Recent viral footage showing machete-wielding men attacking pedestrians at night intensified calls for security patrols and community policing in the region.

Voices and Stakeholders

• National Police Service Statement:

  “We will maintain operations in the affected neighbourhoods until this gang is completely dismantled.” (NPS Press Office, 2025-09-18)

• Mombasa Police Commandant:

  “We urge residents to cooperate with investigators and report suspicious activities to help restore security.” (2025-09-18)

• Community Leaders:

  “We need more street lighting and CCTV cameras to deter crime and protect residents.” (Public forum, 2025-09-18)

Evidence & Data

• Weapons Recovered: 3 pangas, 1 dagger.

• Key Locations: Labour–Mtomondoni area, Nyali suburb.

• Pending Action: Gang members in custody; others still at large.

Risks and Implications

• Urban Security: Rising gang activity threatens tourism and night economy in Mombasa.

• Community Safety: Residents call for stronger neighbourhood watch programmes.

• Infrastructure Needs: CCTV and lighting improvements flagged as urgent.

What We Don’t Know

• Whether the arrested suspects were directly involved in the viral robbery video.

• How many more gang members remain at large.

• If authorities will charge suspects under organised crime statutes.

Timeline

• 2025-09-15: CCTV footage of Nyali robberies goes viral.

• 2025-09-18: Police raid Mtwapa hideout; four suspects arrested.

• 2025-09-20 (expected): Suspects likely to be arraigned in court.

What to Watch

• Further arrests as police pursue remaining gang members.

• Court proceedings and possible gang-related charges.

• Security measures by Mombasa County to deter future attacks.