Nakuru Police Arrest Notorious Gang Leader, Recover Dangerous Weapons

By Staff Writer

Police in Nakuru have this evening arrested a highly sought-after criminal gang leader and recovered dangerous weapons, dealing a major blow to organized crime networks operating within the county.

The arrest followed a swift, intelligence-led operation by Kaptembwo-based officers, whose coordinated response led to the suspect’s capture and seizure of weapons linked to a string of violent crimes.

The suspect, identified as 21-year-old Francis Nderitu Maina, alias Maish, was arrested in Gioto area, commonly known as London, within Nakuru’s densely populated informal settlements.

Officers acting on actionable intelligence tracked the suspect’s movements before executing a calculated operation, leading to his arrest without incident during routine patrols conducted earlier in the afternoon hours.

Maina is alleged to be the ringleader of the outlawed Isilando sect, a gang linked to robbery with violence and a pattern of organized criminal activities across Gioto settlement.

Detectives believe the suspect has played a central role in coordinating violent attacks, unlawful assemblies and drug trafficking, contributing to persistent insecurity concerns among residents in the affected areas.

“Following his arrest, officers recovered a military-style sword and later a homemade firearm concealed at his residence, now secured as exhibits,” the Directorate of Criminal Investigations said.

Authorities said the suspect had earlier escaped a police dragnet on February 23, 2026, before going into hiding, prompting intensified surveillance and intelligence operations to track his movements.

During interrogation, the suspect led officers to his residence where a search uncovered a crude firearm assembled using a wooden frame and metal pipe, hidden behind the structure.

“All exhibits have been secured and the suspect remains in custody pending arraignment as investigations into wider criminal networks continue,” the Directorate of Criminal Investigations added.

The arrest is expected to disrupt operations of the Isilando group and restore confidence among residents who have long endured crime linked to organized gangs in Nakuru’s informal settlements.