A local magistrate’s court has denied bail to three men accused of being part of a notorious armed robbery syndicate that has terrorized residents across multiple neighborhoods in recent months. The suspects, who are believed to be linked to a series of violent heists involving firearms, were arraigned under heavy police guard as prosecutors outlined a chilling pattern of criminal activity and the potential threat to public safety should they be released.
The accused identified as Brian Smokey Ochieng, Kevin Otieno alias Blade, and Thomas Wanjala are facing a litany of charges including armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms and ammunition, attempted murder, and carjacking. They were arrested during a sting operation last week in Nairobi’s Eastlands area, following weeks of surveillance by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The State opposed bail, arguing that the accused are a flight risk and pose a serious danger to the community. Lead prosecutor Angela Mwikali told the court that the suspects were actively plotting additional robberies at the time of their arrest, and that they had previously evaded capture on multiple occasions by using false identities and safe houses in rural counties.
These are not ordinary offenders. They are organized, heavily armed, and have a track record of using violence against civilians and law enforcement alike. Releasing them on bail would not only endanger witnesses but could also compromise ongoing investigations into other linked crimes, she said.
The prosecution submitted CCTV footage, forensic reports, and mobile tracking data as part of the evidence bundle supporting their claims.
Defense attorneys attempted to downplay the allegations, insisting that their clients were victims of mistaken identity and that the case was built on circumstantial evidence. They argued that the suspects have a constitutional right to bail, and that keeping them in remand amounted to pretrial punishment. We believe the State has yet to prove the direct involvement of the accused in the said crimes. Denying them bail sets a worrying precedent for presumption of guilt before trial, said defense counsel Michael Oduor
However, the court sided with the prosecution, citing the seriousness of the charges and the likelihood that the accused could interfere with witnesses or abscond.
The case has drawn significant public interest, with victims and community leaders calling for firm action against rising violent crime in urban centers. Several victims, including a woman who was shot during a carjacking incident allegedly linked to the suspects, have appealed for justice and greater police protection.
Outside the courthouse, residents of Kayole and Dandora areas where the suspects are believed to have operated gathered in support of the bail denial, holding placards that read Justice for the Victims and Keep Our Streets Safe.
Police spokesperson Charles Owino praised the court’s decision, calling it a victory for public safety. He revealed that the gang is believed to be behind at least nine armed robberies, including bank agent raids, mobile money shop attacks, and home invasions. This is a significant breakthrough in our fight against urban criminal gangs. The suspects are linked to a wider network we are actively dismantling, he said.
The suspects have been remanded at Kamiti Maximum Prison pending trial. The magistrate set the next hearing for May 15, 2025, during which witness testimonies and forensic evidence will begin to be presented.
Authorities say more arrests are expected as investigations continue. The DCI has urged members of the public who may have been victims of similar robberies to come forward and assist with the case.
As the community watches closely, the trial is likely to become a litmus test for how the justice system handles high-profile violent crime cases in the country.
