Police have arrested nine suspected members of a notorious machete-wielding gang  that has been instilling fear among residents in Likoni and Kwale.

According to police reports, six of the nine suspects were apprehended yesterday night during an intelligence-driven night operation mounted by officers from Inuka Police Station under the leadership of the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), chief inspector Jesse Okiru

Hamadi Mbwana, Juma Mwachipa, Athman Omolo, Ali Abdallah Mwangome, Hamisi Mwinyi, and Ali were arrested today morning in Mwaweche area within Shikaadabu around 0300hrs.

Three other suspects had earlier been arrested in the ongoing police operation.

The nine are believed to be members of a juvenile gang linked to a series of violent attacks in Likoni, including a  recent incident in Maulana village in Timbwani where three people were left nursing serious injuries and properties stolen.

According to eyewitnesses, a gang of about 30 young men armed with machetes had on Wednesday last week staged a night attack on an eight roomed-rental house demanding money, mobile phones, and other valuables from tenants.

According to Likoni sub-county police commander Joseph Mutungi, this arrest has brought the total number of suspects linked to this incident who are in their custody to nine.

The suspects are currently being held at Inuka and Likoni police stations pending arraignment, where they are expected to face robbery and related charges.

During the arrest, police recovered five machetes from the suspects.The police boss has also urged residents to remain vigilant, assuring that the operation will continue to rid Likoni of criminal networks.