Eight arrested in crackdown on criminal gangs in Malindi

Eight suspects have been arrested in Malindi following a multi-agency security operation targeting organised criminal gangs in the coastal town.

The suspects include the gang’s alleged ringleader, Abdalla Matano Abdalla, alias Dalla, who was apprehended before leading detectives to hideouts in NAT and Kwa Famau areas of Maweni.

From the raids, seven of his close associates were also arrested: Cosmos Kesi Kalama (Bweko), Erick Alex Lewa (Generali), Edwin Ondiro Onyonyi (Last), Simon Alex Kalama (Desai), Joseph Masha (Thee), Moses Kwicha Mzee (Timoteo), and Salim Ali Safari (Mzukulu).

Police said the group forms the core of the dreaded gang Team Nati Dread, notorious for terrorising residents in Malindi and its environs. In their recent crime spree, one member, Generali, suffered a grisly fate after losing his wrist while attempting to rob a member of the public. His severed limb is being preserved at the Malindi Sub-County Hospital mortuary.

Authorities have pledged to intensify crackdowns on criminal gangs to safeguard life and property across the country.