15 Suspected Gang Members Arrested, Crude Weapons Seized in Kisumu

Fifteen suspected members of a criminal gang have been arrested in Kisumu County following a coordinated operation by detectives that also led to the recovery of assorted crude weapons.

The operation was launched after detectives received intelligence that a group of people suspected to be armed with crude weapons was travelling in three vehicles along the Kisumu–Kericho highway.

Detectives from the DCI Operations Support Unit (OSU), working with officers from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), Nyanza Region, and DCI Kisumu Central, moved swiftly to intercept the vehicles.

The suspects were found aboard a grey Toyota Noah, registration number KCR 790A, and two white Toyota Hiace vans, registration numbers KDM 377M and KDE 819U. The two vans were operating under Nyakija Classic Shuttle along the Kisumu–Migori route.

A search of the vehicles and the suspects led to the recovery of several mobile phones, assorted machetes and pangas, knives, ropes, a metal rod or club and other items suspected to have been intended for criminal activities.

During the operation, one of the suspects, identified as Oliver Jaoko, alias Oliveti, reportedly jumped through a vehicle window and escaped. Detectives believe he was leading the group and have launched a manhunt for him.

The 15 suspects and the recovered exhibits were taken into custody and are undergoing processing pending arraignment as detectives continue with investigations.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations said the operation demonstrates the National Police Service’s commitment to disrupting criminal networks and preventing suspected criminals from carrying out attacks.

Detectives have urged members of the public to share information that could assist in locating the suspected gang leader through the DCI’s anonymous reporting channels.