Police in Kakamega County neutralized two suspects believed to belong to a notorious gang operating in the region and its neighboring counties on Thursday. The operation, which involved a high-stakes shootout, also led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle and a Bajaj motorcycle linked to earlier criminal activity.
The operation was carried out by a team comprising officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations’ (DCI) Operation Action Team and the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau. Acting on intelligence, the officers tracked the suspects to a rented house in Matungu village.
The Shootout
Police sources revealed that the team cordoned off the rental property and ordered the suspects to surrender. However, the suspects defied the order and opted to engage the officers in a gunfight.
“In defiance, the gun-hardened duo opted for a battle of guns, only to be neutralized at the sound of cocking the rifle from inside the house,” the DCI said in a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter).
Following the shootout, officers discovered an AK-47 rifle loaded with 15 rounds of live ammunition inside the house. Additionally, a Bajaj motorcycle was recovered from the scene.
Gang’s Connection to Earlier Crimes
The Bajaj motorcycle recovered at the crime scene is suspected to belong to a police officer currently in a coma at Kakamega General Hospital. The officer was reportedly attacked by a machete-wielding gang in Butere township on the night of November 12, 2024.
Police in the region suspect the gang has been involved in a series of violent crimes, including robberies and attacks on civilians and law enforcement officers.
The identities of the slain suspects remain unknown. Their bodies were moved to Bungoma County Referral Hospital mortuary for preservation and fingerprinting to facilitate identification.
Community Relief and Concerns
The operation has brought a sense of relief to residents of Kakamega and surrounding areas, who have lived in fear due to the gang’s activities. However, the incident also underscores ongoing security challenges in the region, with organized criminal groups increasingly targeting both civilians and law enforcement personnel.
One resident of Matungu expressed mixed feelings about the shootout. “It is good that the police are taking action, but we still feel unsafe. We hope the government will continue to crack down on these criminals,” said the resident, who preferred to remain anonymous.
Police Crackdown on Crime
Authorities have intensified efforts to curb rising insecurity in Kakamega and its neighboring counties. Police have urged residents to report any suspicious activities to assist in their investigations.
Exhibits recovered from the scene, including the rifle and motorcycle, will undergo further forensic analysis as police continue to investigate the gang’s activities and connections.
The DCI has vowed to bring all members of the gang to justice, emphasizing that the fight against crime requires collaboration between law enforcement and the community.
A Call for Vigilance
Kakamega County Police Commander urged residents to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement officers to enhance security. “We are committed to ensuring the safety of all residents. Your support and timely information will help us dismantle criminal networks,” the commander stated.
While the elimination of the two suspects marks a significant win for the police, the incident serves as a grim reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by criminal elements. Authorities remain on high alert as investigations continue, with hopes of restoring safety and order in the affected areas.
This operation highlights the unwavering resolve of law enforcement agencies to tackle insecurity and protect lives and property in the region.
