A collage of the suspects arrested by the DCI. PHOTO | COURTESY

Detectives in Nairobi have arrested four suspects linked to the “Nyamakima Business Community” group, alleged to have descended on foreign-owned businesses in Nyamakima area, demanding hundreds of thousands of shillings under threats of closure.

Three of the arrested suspects, namely Peter Macharia Gatene, Lawrence Ireri Karani and Josephat Mburu Kamau, are said to be part of a group of about 30 people allegedly led by their ringleader, Runnalice Nyambura Nganga.

According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspects visited several businesses operated by foreign nationals on Monday, September 7, where they demanded to inspect business permits, KRA compliance certificates and directors’ details.

Businesses that could not produce the documents were reportedly ordered to close or pay between Ksh.200,000 and Ksh.300,000 to continue operating.

“At one shop the group demanded to inspect the company’s business permit, KRA compliance certificate and directors’ details. They reportedly ordered the immediate closure of the premises over the alleged lack of the documents, or demanded Ksh.300,000 to allow the business to continue operating,” DCI stated.

“The group later proceeded to another electrical appliances outlet, where they allegedly demanded a further Ksh.200,000.”

The incidents were reported to police, prompting an intervention that led to the arrest of the four suspects.

Meanwhile, investigators are now working to establish the full extent of the alleged extortion scheme and identify other individuals who may have been involved.

The DCI has consequently warned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands or using threats and intimidation to demand money from business owners.