Six suspected members of a criminal network believed to have been terrorizing residents of Kitale and surrounding areas were arrested during a dramatic midnight operation targeting three houses.
The crackdown, conducted between 12:00 AM and 2:30 AM, was led by officers from the Kitale Police Station, acting on intelligence reports that pointed to the presence of stolen property in the Burma slums.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Moses Mutisya confirmed the arrests, describing the operation as part of an ongoing effort by the National Police Service to curb rising crime in informal urban settlements.
“In the first house, officers encountered fierce resistance as the occupants tried to raise the alarm and falsely claimed the police were intruders. However, tactical reinforcements quickly brought the situation under control,” said Mr. Mutisya.
Four suspects—identified as Ian Ewoi, Joshua Kibet, Amos Erupe, and Nebert Lipacho—were arrested. Police recovered two pangas (machetes) and two knives from the scene.
At the second location, officers apprehended a suspect identified as Amos Mwendwa, alias “Rambo.” A variety of suspected stolen items were recovered, including a television, a subwoofer, a panga, and an unspecified amount of cash.
In the third house, a female suspect, Sheila Moraa, was arrested. Several electronic items were seized, including a keyboard, a microphone, eight smartphones, and additional bladed weapons.
All six suspects are currently in police custody and are expected to be arraigned in court as investigations continue. The recovered items have been secured as evidence at the local police station.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to law enforcement.