Security agencies in Uasin Gishu County have arrested three suspects and recovered an AK-47 rifle following intensified security operations prompted by a recent surge in violent crime.
The arrests come amid increased cases of armed robberies that recently culminated in the killing of a health worker attached to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH), an incident that heightened public concern and triggered a multi-agency security response.
Speaking to journalists at Eldoret Central Police Station, Uasin Gishu County Commissioner Dr. Eddyson Nyale said the suspects were apprehended through swift, coordinated operations involving several security agencies after intelligence linked a spate of robberies to an organised gang operating within the county.
Dr. Nyale noted that the gang, believed to comprise four to five individuals, has been using motorbikes to execute robberies across the Moiben, Sogomo, Ziwa, Kapsaret and Ainabkoi areas.
He explained that close collaboration with the boda boda fraternity played a critical role in tracking the suspects’ movements and disrupting their operations.
“We mobilised very quickly and worked closely with security agencies across the board. Through intelligence sharing and cooperation with members of the boda boda fraternity, we were able to intensify pursuit operations, arrest suspects and recover a firearm suspected to have been used to commit heinous crimes across several urban centres,” said Dr. Nyale.
He called on members of the public with relevant information to come forward and record statements to help strengthen the case against the suspects and assist investigators in dismantling the wider criminal network.
Dr. Nyale further announced that security agencies have intensified a parallel crackdown on the illegal manufacture and distribution of second-generation alcohol, warning traders against selling unlicensed or adulterated liquor, particularly as universities reopen and student populations increase.
“We will immediately confiscate licences and close premises found selling illicit alcohol. What is displayed must match what is sold,” he warned, adding that the national government is working closely with the county government, which is responsible for issuing liquor licences.
Uasin Gishu County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi confirmed that the three suspects, aged between 40 and 43 years, are currently in police custody. He said the suspects hail from the Nakuru, Kesses and Moi’s Bridge areas.
According to Commander Mwanthi, one of the suspects is a repeat offender who had previously been convicted of robbery and sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment but was released early after serving seven years.
“With the support of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters and the county DCI team, we managed to recover the AK-47 rifle used in these crimes. Had it remained in circulation, it would have caused more harm,” said Mwanthi.
He added that police also recovered 10 rounds of ammunition, an indication that the weapon still had significant lethal capacity. The firearm will undergo ballistic and forensic examination to establish its origin and determine whether it was used in other criminal incidents.
Both Dr. Nyale and Commander Mwanthi assured residents that the recovered rifle was the only illegal firearm currently known to be in circulation within the county and pledged to tighten security to prevent any further infiltration of illegal weapons.
Commander Mwanthi revealed that within a span of seven days, police arrested 96 suspects linked to the brewing and distribution of chang’aa and seized 379 bottles of second-generation alcohol.
Several suspects have already been arraigned in court, with at least one fined Sh400,000 for possession of illicit brewing equipment.
Addressing concerns over police jurisdiction, Commander Mwanthi clarified that police officers have authority throughout the Republic of Kenya and cannot ignore crimes based on station boundaries.
“Jurisdictional boundaries are administrative. Any officer is required to act to save life and prevent crime, then hand over suspects to the nearest station,” he said.
He added that investigations are ongoing into allegations that police officers may have failed to respond promptly to a distress call before the fatal incident involving the slain health worker.
The security officials emphasised that security is a shared responsibility, urging residents to cooperate with law enforcement agencies by reporting criminals, illicit alcohol dens and outlets dealing in stolen mobile phones.
“We will not tolerate armed robbery, illicit alcohol or insecurity. But we also need the public to work with us,” said Mwanthi.
He further disclosed that security agencies are collaborating with the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS) and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) to ensure ethanol-based alcohol does not find its way into the county.
The suspects arrested are expected to be arraigned in court under tight security as investigations continue.
Authorities said the ongoing operations are aimed at ensuring Uasin Gishu County remains safe and secure for residents, students and business communities.
Also present during the briefing was Uasin Gishu County Criminal Investigations Officer (CCIO) Daniel Muleli, who affirmed the commitment of the investigative teams to pursue and bring to book all individuals involved in criminal activities within the county.
By Fredrick Maritim & Ekuwam Sylvester
