KITALE, Kenya — A coordinated multi-agency security operation in Trans-Nzoia County has led to the arrest of a suspected organiser of criminal gangs and 11 other individuals linked to recent disturbances, authorities said on Thursday.
The operation, based on what investigators described as credible intelligence, was carried out by a joint team drawn from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations headquarters, Administration Police Service, General Service Unit, and officers stationed within Trans-Nzoia.
During a raid at the residence of a key suspect, identified as Andrew Kimungui Wamalwa, officers recovered reflector jackets, stickers, three swords, and other materials believed to have been used in coordinating and mobilising groups involved in organised criminal activity.
Preliminary investigations indicate that Wamalwa is suspected to have played a central role in mobilising individuals linked to disruptive incidents in the Kipsongo area, raising concerns over public safety and order in parts of the county.
In a separate but related operation conducted in the Mitume and Miti Moja neighbourhoods within Kitale, security officers arrested 11 additional suspects believed to be part of the same criminal network.
Authorities identified the individuals as Ken Onyango, Felix Odhiambo, Simon Wafula, Maxwell Ochieng, Ian Fwamba, Nesta Otieno, Reagan Odhiambo, Stanley Yasiro, James Odipo, Duncan Elisha, and Hilary Wafula.
Law enforcement officers also recovered items suspected to have been stolen from members of the public, including laptops and gas cylinders, further strengthening the case against the suspects.
“All suspects are currently in custody, undergoing processing, and will be presented in court once investigations are complete,” a senior security official involved in the operation said.
Authorities added that investigations are ongoing, with security agencies pursuing additional leads to identify and apprehend individuals suspected of financing and coordinating the criminal activities.
The crackdown comes amid heightened efforts by security agencies to dismantle organised criminal networks and restore order in urban centres experiencing rising cases of gang-related incidents.
Officials say the multi-agency approach — combining intelligence gathering, rapid response and coordinated enforcement — is part of a broader national strategy to curb criminal activity and enhance public safety.
Residents in affected areas have welcomed the operation, expressing hope that sustained enforcement will deter further disturbances and restore normalcy.
Security agencies have urged members of the public to continue cooperating with law enforcement by providing information that could aid in ongoing investigations, emphasizing that community vigilance remains critical in the fight against organised crime.
