Authorities in Garissa Sub-County have arrested three individuals suspected of orchestrating a series of violent robberies in the Burburis area. The arrests follow a carefully coordinated, intelligence-led operation by a joint team of officers from the General Duties Unit, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), and the Administration Police Service (APS).
Among the arrested are Ali Isaac Muhumed, also known as “Jografia,” aged 38, Muhumed Bare Hussein, 30, and a 70-year-old woman, Habiba Yusuf. The latter is accused of providing refuge to the two men following their criminal activities. Law enforcement officials believe the trio played a significant role in a spate of violent robberies that had terrorized the Burburis community in recent weeks.
According to the DCI, the joint operation targeted the suspects’ hideout, where officers discovered a trove of incriminating evidence. Among the items recovered were an AK-47 rifle, whose serial number was identified as A082674, along with six rounds of ammunition. The officers also seized 12 mobile phones and two knives, believed to have been used in the commission of the robberies. The discovery of these weapons and other items points to a well-organized and violent criminal enterprise.
The DCI issued a statement confirming the arrest and outlining the details of the operation. “The third suspect, Habiba Yusuf, was arrested for providing the criminals with refuge after their criminal escapades,” the DCI said. This highlights the role she allegedly played in harboring the two primary suspects and facilitating their continued evasion of law enforcement. Her arrest underscores the increasing focus by Kenyan authorities on cracking down not just on direct perpetrators of crime, but also those who offer aid and shelter to criminals.
String of Robberies Causes Fear in Garissa
The arrest of these three individuals brings some hope of relief to the residents of the Burburis area, who have lived in fear over the recent weeks. The robberies in question were reportedly violent, with victims being threatened with weapons. In some cases, lives were endangered, prompting a heightened sense of insecurity in the area.
The coordinated police effort to capture the suspects demonstrates the resolve of security forces to address violent crime, which has been an ongoing concern in many parts of Garissa County. The area is known for challenges related to border security, and criminal activity often spills over from other regions, making it more difficult for local law enforcement to maintain peace.
The intelligence-led operation represents a significant success for the DCI and police forces. By working together across multiple units, the joint team was able to track down the suspects and ensure their arrest without any reports of resistance or injury during the raid. The operation also underscores the importance of community cooperation in providing tips and information to assist law enforcement in identifying suspects and gathering crucial evidence.
Next Steps: Legal Proceedings Await
Following the arrests, the suspects were escorted to Garissa Police Station, where they are currently being held for processing. They are expected to be arraigned in court on Monday, where they will face charges related to robbery with violence and illegal possession of firearms. Kenyan law treats robbery with violence as one of the most serious criminal offenses, with penalties including life imprisonment or, in some cases, the death penalty.
The arrest of Habiba Yusuf, at 70 years old, has drawn particular attention, as it raises questions about the extent of community involvement in criminal activities. While it remains to be seen what evidence will be presented against her in court, the police are confident that they have a strong case against all three suspects. Her age and alleged role in offering refuge to the criminals could complicate public perceptions of crime in the region, highlighting how deeply rooted some criminal networks may be within local communities.
The successful raid and arrests have provided a significant breakthrough for law enforcement, but residents remain cautious as they await the suspects’ trial and sentencing. Many hope that the arrests will send a strong message to other criminal elements operating in the region and ultimately lead to a reduction in violent crime.
As the case moves forward, the authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and continue cooperating with law enforcement efforts. The DCI’s emphasis on intelligence-led policing will likely lead to more targeted operations in the future, as they work to dismantle organized crime networks and make communities safer.
