15 suspected gang members arrested, crude weapons seized in Kisumu

NAIROBI, Kenya - Police have apprehended 15 suspected gang members and seized various crude weapons following a joint operation along the Kisumu-Kericho highway, according to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). The coordinated effort was prompted by intelligence indicating a group of armed individuals was en route to Kisumu in three vehicles.

DCI's Operations Support Unit, in collaboration with Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau and Kisumu Central, intercepted the vehicles and apprehended the suspects. The group was traveling in a grey Toyota Noah and two white Toyota Hiace vans, which were operating under the Nyakija Classic Shuttle on the Kisumu-Migori route. During the search of the vehicles and suspects, officials recovered several mobile phones and an assortment of weapons including machetes, pangas, knives, ropes, and a metal rod or club.

However, one suspect, identified as Oliver Jaoko, alias Oliveti, who is believed to be the group's leader, managed to escape during the operation. Jaoko reportedly jumped through a vehicle window. The 15 suspects and the recovered items are now in police custody as detectives intensify efforts to locate Jaoko. The DCI stated that the operation demonstrates the National Police Service's commitment to disrupting criminal networks and keeping dangerous individuals and weapons off the streets to protect the public.

Those apprehended will face charges following the completion of investigations, while the search for the suspected gang leader continues. The operation occurred shortly after the planned Linda Mwananchi rally in Homa Bay.