KISUMU, Kenya — Fifteen suspected members of a criminal gang have been arrested, and a cache of crude weapons seized during an intelligence-led operation along the Kisumu–Kericho highway, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has said.
The suspects were intercepted after detectives received intelligence that a group allegedly armed with crude weapons was travelling in three vehicles in Kisumu County.
Detectives from the DCI Operations Support Unit (OSU), working alongside officers from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) in the Nyanza Region and DCI Kisumu Central, moved in and intercepted the vehicles.
The suspects were travelling in a grey Toyota Noah, registration number KCR 790A, and two white Toyota Hiace vans, registration numbers KDM 377M and KDE 819U.
The two Hiace vans were operating under Nyakija Classic Shuttle along the Kisumu–Migori route, according to the DCI.
A search of the vehicles and the suspects resulted in the recovery of several mobile phones and an assortment of items believed to have been intended for criminal activities.
Among the recovered items were machetes, pangas, knives, ropes and a metal rod or club.
The operation also led to a dramatic escape attempt by one of the suspects identified by detectives as Oliver Jaoko, alias Oliveti, who is believed to have been leading the group.
According to the DCI, Jaoko jumped through a vehicle window and managed to escape as detectives moved in to arrest the group.
The 15 suspects who were apprehended were taken into custody alongside the recovered exhibits and are undergoing processing pending arraignment in court.
Detectives have meanwhile intensified the search for Jaoko as investigations continue into the suspected criminal network and the group’s activities.
The DCI said the operation was part of efforts by security agencies to disrupt criminal networks before they can carry out attacks and prevent dangerous individuals and weapons from reaching the streets.
The investigation remains ongoing as detectives pursue additional leads and seek to establish the intended activities of the suspects.
