In a dramatic conclusion to a months-long manhunt, detectives from Athi River have captured three of Kenya’s most wanted robbery suspects, effectively ending a reign of terror that had gripped parts of Machakos and Nairobi counties. The trio — Kelvin Baraza Andayi alias Kevoo, Titus Mutuku Maingi alias Tush, and Jack Wilshere Kimathi alias Jack — are finally behind bars following an intelligence-led police operation that traced them to their hideouts and unearthed damning evidence connecting them to a violent robbery incident at Sanergy Limited Company EPZ in Kinanie, Athi River.
Violent Robbery Unleashed Fear in Athi River
The events of February 23, 2025, still haunt employees at Sanergy EPZ in Kinanie. On that fateful day, five thugs — including the now-arrested trio and two still at large — stormed the facility in a coordinated and brutal attack. Armed with crude weapons and driven by unrestrained greed, the gang assaulted staff members with ruthless force, leaving several injured. They bound their victims and held them hostage as they looted valuable assets from the premises.
Items stolen during the brazen raid included a refrigerator, a microwave, two lorry batteries, two backloader tractor batteries, and a generator. Witnesses reported that the suspects loaded their loot into a waiting pickup truck before vanishing into the night. The entire operation was over in minutes, but its aftermath sent shockwaves through the local business community and the broader Athi River area.
Detectives Launch a Meticulous Hunt
Determined to bring the criminals to justice, detectives from Athi-River DCI swiftly launched an in-depth investigation. With the help of CCTV footage, eyewitness testimonies, and forensic analysis, officers began narrowing down potential suspects. A breakthrough came when phone signals and surveillance evidence led investigators to Kamulu, a Nairobi suburb on the outskirts of Ruai.
At the center of the operation was Kelvin Baraza Andayi, known on the streets as Kevoo. Acting on intelligence, officers raided a rented house believed to be his hideout. The search yielded critical evidence: a Beretta pistol, a mobile phone, six assorted SIM cards, and tactical clothing believed to have been used during the robbery. A pair of beige and green military-style trousers and other personal effects were also confiscated, linking Andayi directly to the crime scene.
The Dominoes Fall: Tush and Jack Apprehended
Faced with overwhelming evidence and caught completely off guard, Andayi reportedly cooperated with the authorities. He directed detectives to a second hideout in Gimu, Athi River, where his alleged co-conspirators — Titus Mutuku Maingi alias Tush and Jack Wilshere Kimathi alias Jack — were arrested in a swift follow-up operation.
The arrests brought a sense of relief not just to the victims of the February 23 incident, but also to a broader section of the community plagued by a string of violent robberies believed to be the work of the same group.
Police: More Arrests Coming Soon
According to sources within the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the three suspects are currently undergoing processing and documentation, with charges expected to be filed imminently. Investigations are still ongoing as authorities seek to apprehend the two remaining accomplices who fled the scene during the Sanergy raid.
Speaking anonymously, a senior DCI officer said:
“We’re pursuing crucial leads and expect to make additional arrests. The operation is still active. Anyone found to have been complicit or in possession of stolen property will be brought to book.”
Recovered items from the robbery have been placed in police custody as exhibits, pending presentation in court. These will serve as pivotal evidence in securing convictions for the violent crimes perpetrated by the group.
Not Just One Crime
While the investigation into the Sanergy EPZ heist nears its conclusion, detectives are exploring whether Kevoo, Tush, and Jack could be linked to other robberies in Nairobi, Machakos, and even Kajiado counties. The trio’s coordinated methods, use of crude weapons, and choice of targets bear similarities to other cases currently under review.
Forensic analysts are now examining the Beretta pistol recovered from Andayi’s hideout to determine whether it was used in previous crimes, including carjackings and break-ins reported in nearby estates.
Public Praise and Caution
The arrests have drawn praise from the public, with many residents taking to social media to commend the DCI for their thorough work.
“Finally! These guys have been terrorizing people and getting away with it. Kudos to the police,” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter).
However, authorities have urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity, especially in estates where crime has surged in recent months. Police have also appealed for any information that could lead to the arrest of the two remaining suspects.
A Message to Criminals: Your Time Is Up
The capture of Kevoo, Tush, and Jack sends a clear message to criminal networks: the law is closing in. In an era where forensic tools, digital tracking, and citizen cooperation are reshaping crimefighting, no hiding place is safe for offenders.
The DCI has emphasized that the fight against violent crime remains a top priority for law enforcement agencies and promised that more efforts will be channeled into dismantling syndicates threatening peace and security.
What Happens Next?
The suspects are expected to be arraigned at the Machakos Law Courts this week, where they will face multiple charges including robbery with violence, illegal possession of firearms, and assault. If found guilty, they could face life imprisonment under Kenyan law.
Meanwhile, detectives are urging members of the public — especially those in the Athi River area — who may have witnessed the February 23 attack or have additional information, to come forward.
