KISUMU, Kenya — Detectives have arrested a man suspected of being part of a criminal gang accused of terrorising residents of Kisumu and neighbouring areas, recovering motorcycles and household items believed to have been stolen during a string of robberies.
In a statement on Sunday, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said officers based at Gita Police Station arrested James Kenneth Otieno after days of intelligence-led pursuit targeting a gang linked to violent thefts in Kisumu East Sub-County.
The arrest followed the death of Otieno’s alleged accomplice, Hussein Hassan, who was killed by a mob on January 23, 2026, after he was cornered while allegedly in possession of a stolen motorcycle. Police said the incident accelerated efforts to track down other members of the gang.
“Acting on intelligence, officers pounced on James Kenneth Otieno following days of relentless pursuit of a criminal gang accused of terrorising and robbing members of the public,” the DCI said.
Investigators believe Otieno was still holding stolen property when officers raided his residence in Kajulu Gardens, Konya sub-location, in what police described as a swift and well-coordinated operation.
During the search, officers recovered three motorcycles, a 65-inch Hisense television set, a 12-kilogramme Menghas gas cylinder, a double-burner gas cooker, assorted mobile phones, and various motorcycle spare parts. Police said their rightful owners have positively identified several of the items.
“Some of the recovered items have since been positively identified, bringing relief to victims who had written off their losses,” the DCI noted.
Otieno is currently in police custody, undergoing processing ahead of arraignment in court. The remaining recovered items have been secured as exhibits pending identification and collection by their owners.
The arrest comes amid renewed concern over criminal gangs targeting motorcycles and household goods in urban and peri-urban areas, with police warning that stolen motorcycles are often used to facilitate further crimes, including violent robberies.
At the same time, police strongly cautioned members of the public against taking the law into their own hands, following the killing of Otieno’s alleged accomplice.
“The National Police Service remains committed to rooting out crime and safeguarding lives and property across the country,” the DCI said, urging residents to report suspected criminals to authorities rather than resort to mob justice.
Police said investigations into the broader gang network are ongoing, with detectives pursuing additional suspects believed to be linked to the recovered motorcycles and other stolen property.
The DCI reiterated its call for public cooperation, encouraging residents to share information with security agencies to help dismantle organised criminal networks and enhance community safety.
