A 26-year-old man believed to be behind a wave of violent robberies in Rweno and Kiambaa areas has been arrested, bringing a sigh of relief to residents who have lived in fear in recent months.

The suspect, identified as Stephen Igogo Kariuki, was nabbed during an operation conducted by officers from Kiambaa Sub-County at Mifereji area in Ruaka following crucial intelligence from members of the public.

According to detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Kariuki was smoked out of his hideout before leading officers to his house, where a Retay Falcon pistol — suspected to be the weapon of choice in a string of brazen attacks — was recovered during a search.

The firearm has been forwarded to the National Forensic Laboratory for ballistic analysis to establish any links with several reported robbery incidents that have rocked the region.

Kariuki is currently being held in police custody as investigations continue, with authorities saying he will be arraigned upon conclusion of investigations.