Police in Mombasa have arrested a suspected violent robber after a disturbing video showing the attack of a watchman went viral on social media.

In a statement, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the suspect was apprehended following a coordinated operation by officers from the Mombasa DCI Regional Headquarters, DCI Urban, and Tononoka Police Station.

"The suspect, who was captured in a widely circulated video attacking a watchman, was arrested after detectives launched an intensive manhunt aided by forensic leads,” the DCI said.

The footage shows the suspect, armed with a panga and in the company of an accomplice, attacking the watchman before fleeing with his mobile phone.

The incident sparked public outrage online, prompting swift police action.

According to the DCI, detectives tracked the suspect, identified as Salim Keya Ngesa, to a guest house in Bondeni ‘A’, where he had gone into hiding.

"Acting on forensic intelligence, detectives trailed the suspect to a guest house in Bondeni ‘A’ where he was arrested,” the DCI stated.

During the arrest, officers recovered several items believed to link the suspect to the crime.

"Police recovered six assorted mobile phones, a blood-stained panga, two knives, and a greyish kanzu matching the clothing seen in the CCTV footage,” the statement read.

The suspect is currently in police custody undergoing processing ahead of his arraignment in court.

“The suspect is now behind bars pending arraignment, while detectives continue pursuing his accomplice who is still at large,” the DCI said.

Police have assured the public that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the second suspect and urged members of the public to continue sharing credible information that may aid investigations.