NAIROBI, Kenya — Police have arrested 15 suspected gang members and seized an assortment of crude weapons during a coordinated operation along the Kisumu–Kericho highway, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations said.
The operation was launched after detectives received intelligence that a group armed with crude weapons was travelling toward Kisumu in three vehicles. Officers from the DCI Operations Support Unit, working with the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau in Nyanza and DCI Kisumu Central, intercepted the vehicles and took the suspects into custody.
The group was travelling in a grey Toyota Noah and two white Toyota Hiace vans. The two vans were operating under the Nyakija Classic Shuttle along the Kisumu–Migori route.
A search of the vehicles and suspects yielded several mobile phones along with machetes, pangas, knives, ropes, and a metal rod or club. The items are suspected to be linked to criminal activity.
One suspect, identified as Oliver Jaoko, also known as Oliveti, escaped during the operation after reportedly jumping through a vehicle window. Detectives believe Jaoko was leading the group.
The 15 suspects and recovered exhibits were taken into police custody for further processing. Detectives have intensified efforts to track down Jaoko.
“The 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 in a statement.
The suspects are expected to face charges once investigations are completed. The operation took place hours after the planned Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay.
