Fifteen suspected members of a criminal gang have been arrested in Kisumu County following a coordinated police operation that also led to the recovery of several crude weapons.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the suspects were intercepted while travelling in three vehicles along the Kisumu–Kericho highway after detectives received intelligence that a group armed with crude weapons was on the move.
“Acting swiftly on the information, detectives from the DCI Operations Support Unit (OSU), working alongside officers from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), Nyanza Region, and DCI Kisumu Central, moved in and intercepted the vehicles,” the DCI said.
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 subsequent search of the vehicles and the suspects led to the recovery of several mobile phones and a collection of crude weapons.
Among the items seized were machetes, pangas, knives, ropes and a metal rod or club. Detectives also recovered other items they suspect could have been intended for use in criminal activities.
The operation, however, took a dramatic turn when one of the suspects allegedly escaped from police custody during the interception.
The DCI identified the suspect as Oliver Jaoko, also known as Oliveti, whom investigators believe was leading the group.
“Oliver Jaoko a.k.a. Oliveti, believed to have been leading the group, made a daring escape by jumping through a vehicle window,” the agency said.
The 15 suspects were taken into custody together with the recovered exhibits and are undergoing processing ahead of arraignment, as detectives continue investigating the suspected criminal network.
Police have also launched a manhunt for Jaoko, with detectives pursuing leads aimed at locating and apprehending him.
The DCI said the operation was part of efforts by security agencies to disrupt criminal networks before they can carry out planned activities.
“This operation underscores the resolve of the National Police Service to disrupt criminal networks before they can strike, keeping dangerous individuals and weapons off the streets and safeguarding innocent members of the public,” the DCI said.