A dramatic confrontation between police and a suspected gun trafficker unfolded in Lodwar Town, Turkana County, on November 24, when authorities intercepted a criminal syndicate attempting to transport an illegal firearm across the country. The incident underscores the growing concerns over the illegal gun trade in Kenya, which has contributed to a surge in violent crime, including robberies and assaults, in various regions.
According to the police, the operation began when officers received a tip-off regarding a suspect in possession of a gun, allegedly meant for sale to a potential buyer in Meru County. Acting on the intelligence, police laid an ambush along the Lodwar-Kitale Highway, anticipating the arrival of the trafficker and his accomplices. The suspects were believed to be traveling with the firearm, a Turkish-made EKOL P.29 pistol, which had been loaded with five rounds of .22mm ammunition.
As the suspects approached the ambush site, police made their move and successfully arrested three individuals. However, the situation quickly escalated when the suspects became combative. Despite officers issuing warning shots into the air in an attempt to subdue the suspects, one of the individuals, armed with a knife, ignored the commands and charged at the officers. In response, an officer fired at the armed suspect, injuring him in the left knee. The suspect was then apprehended along with the firearm, which was recovered during the operation.
The arrest is part of a broader effort by the police to crack down on the illegal firearms trade in the country, which has fueled an increase in violent crimes. Police are currently investigating the source of the weapon and seeking to identify any networks involved in the trafficking operation. The arrested suspects are awaiting arraignment, and authorities have reiterated their commitment to combating the illegal possession of firearms, which has been linked to robberies, carjackings, and gang-related violence in various parts of Kenya.
The recovery of illegal firearms has been a significant focus for Kenyan law enforcement agencies in recent months, as the country grapples with a rise in violent robberies and gun-related crimes. In many instances, these illegal weapons have found their way into the hands of criminal gangs, who use them to commit heinous crimes, terrorizing both urban and rural communities. The authorities’ proactive measures are seen as crucial in restoring security and ensuring public safety.
Church Raid in Kayole
Meanwhile, police in Nairobi are investigating a daring robbery that took place at a church in Kayole, where a group of thugs gained access to the premises and made off with electronic goods valued at Sh150,000. The thieves, whose identities remain unknown, carried out the raid on Sunday morning, after allegedly attacking and injuring the guard on duty.
The gang broke into the church by forcing open the window grills, an act that left the guard, who had been on duty at the time, with injuries. The victim was promptly rushed to Mama Lucy Kibaki Referral Hospital, where he is receiving medical treatment. Authorities have launched an investigation into the incident and are working to identify the criminals behind the attack.
Robbery and Assault in Vihiga County
Further reports from Embali in Vihiga County reveal another disturbing incident involving the sexual assault of a 27-year-old woman during a robbery. On Monday morning, the woman was attacked by two suspects, who stole her mobile phone before fleeing the scene. The victim, who was left traumatized by the ordeal, was admitted to a local hospital in stable condition. Police are actively searching for the two suspects responsible for this heinous crime.
These recent incidents highlight the persistent problem of violent crime in Kenya, where armed robberies, assaults, and theft are becoming more frequent. Police operations targeting criminal gangs and illegal firearms are ongoing, with the government stressing the need for greater vigilance and cooperation from the public to curb these rising threats to public safety.
As the country grapples with an increase in violent crime, the authorities are under pressure to not only track down criminal gangs but also to address the root causes of violence, including the proliferation of illegal weapons. The coming weeks will likely see an intensification of police efforts to restore order, with more targeted operations and a renewed focus on tackling the illicit gun trade.
