Police in Mumias East have arrested seven members who are suspected to be associated with an illegal group known as ‘Jeshi Jinga’.
Mumias East OCPD Dorice Chemoss said area residents who agreed to assist police in identifying the lawbreakers tipped the police about two members of the group Fadhili Mukhola and Imbuli.
After interrogation, the two led police to five other group members; one of them was arrested while smoking bhang at his home during the day.
Among the arrested suspects is a 17-year-old boy who the OCPD says is a student who had just been suspended from school over an indiscipline case.
The OCPD noted that police are pursuing other members of the group noting that a woman was also arrested who the criminals use to pose as a pillion passenger to bait unsuspecting bodaboda riders who are preyed upon and robbed of their motorcycles.
“Immediately the bodaboda rider stops to pick her up, the other group members emerge from their hideout in the darkness, attack the rider, and flee with the motorbike,” the police boss said.
She noted that police officers recovered crude weapons in the homes of the arrested members including clubs, pangas, knives, slashers, metal rods with a sharpened end, bright torches and black jackets.
Chemoss said the group seems to wear black jackets during the night when they terrorize community members.
Apart from the Jeshi Jinga, the OCPD said that police have been informed of another existing group that specialises in stealing cattle from the community members.
“We were led to a cattle thief at Eluwasambi, a youth known as Fredrick Keya, his parents have confirmed that he is rarely at home during the day but that he is always available in the dead of the night,” she noted.
The OCPD urged parents to always understand the company of people their children are always keeping and even take note of their change of behaviour.
She also warned that police will continue with patrols and arrest those in disco matanga as it gives the gang an opportunity to roam around and get away with criminal activities.
By Moses Wekesa
