14 minors arrested and detained over deadly gang violence that left a 15-year-old dead

Police in Nairobi have arrested 14 juveniles linked to a criminal gang operating in Umoja Estate, following a wave of violent incidents that left one person dead and several others injured.

The crackdown comes after a viral video circulated on social media showing a group of boys engaged in violent clashes. One of the victims, 15-year-old Joshua Kubiti, succumbed to his injuries while undergoing treatment at Radiant Hospital in Umoja.

According to preliminary investigations, the minors, aged between 12 and 19 years, have formed rival groups under names such as Chinje, Mbogi, Bad Bunny, and Silent.

These gangs have been associated with violent confrontations, phone snatching, and theft in areas including Tena, Innercore, Umoja I, II & III, Kayole, and Kariobangi. Police further revealed that recruitment into these groups often takes place during school holidays, drawing more vulnerable youths into crime.

In a targeted operation led by Buruburu detectives, the 14 suspects, 10 boys and 4 girls, were arrested and arraigned at the Makadara Law Courts where detectives were granted custodial orders to detain them for 14 days as investigations into the murder of Joshua Kubiti continue.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations emphasised that a comprehensive probe is underway into the rise of juvenile gangs in Umoja and its environs.

The National Police Service also reassured the public of its commitment to maintaining law and order, pledging sustained crackdowns against such gangs and other criminal elements across Nairobi and the country.