Detectives have arrested four suspects in a major security operation targeting a criminal network linked to the murder of a British national and a series of violent robberies along Kenya’s Coast.
The arrests were carried out by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) during an intelligence-led, multi-agency operation in Ukunda.
The team brought together detectives from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau headquarters and officers based in Nyali and Msambweni.
Police identified the suspects as Bernard Mbusu, Isaac Kinoti Kobia, Evans Muthengi Mutaki and Kelvin Mwangi Njoroge.
They were arrested at a residential apartment in Ukunda following days of surveillance and coordinated tracking by investigators.
Authorities say the four are prime suspects in the abduction and killing of British national Campbell Scott Alistair, whose body was found in February 2025 at Mukuyuni along the Machakos–Wote road.
The case had drawn attention due to the circumstances surrounding his disappearance and the discovery of his body hundreds of kilometres from the Coast.
Investigators have also linked the suspects to a robbery with violence incident involving an American national in Nyali, as well as another attack reported in Watamu, Malindi Sub-County. Detectives believe the cases are connected and point to an organised group targeting foreign nationals.
A search conducted at the suspects’ residence yielded several items suspected to have been stolen from victims.
Police recovered an HP laptop, multiple mobile phones, assorted foreign currencies, credit cards, cheque books from different banks and point-of-sale (PDQ) machines.
Crime Scene Investigation officers documented the scene and collected forensic evidence expected to support the prosecution’s case.
The suspects are being held at Nyali Police Station as investigations continue. Detectives are working to establish the full scope of the group’s activities and to identify any additional accomplices.
Police say more arrests are likely as the operation widens, with authorities signalling a renewed focus on dismantling criminal networks targeting visitors along the Coast.