KARIOBANGI NORTH, Nairobi — The Anti Vandalism Unit has launched an intensified manhunt for a suspected chief vandalizer of restricted government infrastructure following a decisive multi-agency enforcement operation in Kariobangi North that led to the recovery of railway metal bars and a county light mast believed to have been illegally acquired for the scrap metal trade.
The intelligence-led operation, commanded by Anti Vandalism Police Commander Joshua Chacha, brought together officers from the Anti Vandalism Unit, Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT), the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and Nairobi City County Government enforcement teams.
During the enforcement raid, officers secured and documented critical exhibits, including railway metal bars and a vandalized county light mast suspected to have been removed from public infrastructure installations.
Several suspects believed to be employees and operational associates of the principal suspect — identified only as Francis — were arrested and placed in lawful police custody.
However, Francis, described by investigators as a chief vandalizer of restricted government infrastructure, escaped during the operation and is currently in hiding, prompting security agencies to launch an active manhunt.
Commander Joshua Chacha said the operation was part of a sustained crackdown targeting organized infrastructure vandalism networks.
“This operation was intelligence-led and we successfully recovered restricted government infrastructure materials including railway bars and a county light mast. Several suspects are in custody and we are actively pursuing the main suspect who escaped,” said Chacha.
Investigators indicated that the suspect is notorious for running an organized vandalism network targeting railway installations and public lighting infrastructure, with stolen materials allegedly disguised and traded as scrap metal.
Security officers revealed that previous enforcement operations at the premises encountered organized resistance, with the suspect allegedly mobilizing hired goons and local collaborators to obstruct law enforcement.
In earlier attempts, officers reportedly faced hostility and physical attacks. However, the latest operation was executed without major confrontation despite the suspect’s escape.
Commander Chacha warned that the Anti Vandalism Unit will maintain pressure until the suspect is arrested.
“We will continue with enforcement operations targeting scrap metal dealers involved in handling vandalized infrastructure. The suspect cannot evade the law forever. We will pursue him until he is arrested and charged,” he said.
The arrested suspects were processed and detained at Shauri Moyo Police Station pending arraignment in court on Monday.
Police confirmed that follow-up operations are underway targeting additional scrap metal operators suspected of handling vandalized infrastructure materials, with further arrests expected as investigations progress.
“Infrastructure vandalism is a serious criminal offence that undermines essential public services and national development, and we will not allow it to continue,” Chacha added.
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