Police have arrested fifteen people suspected of being members of a criminal gang in Kisumu County after detectives intercepted three vehicles allegedly carrying a group armed with crude weapons.
The operation was conducted along the Kisumu–Kericho highway following intelligence received by security agencies.
Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Operations Support Unit, working with the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), Nyanza Region, and DCI Kisumu Central, moved to intercept the vehicles.
Three Vehicles Intercepted Along Kisumu–Kericho Highway
According to the DCI, the suspects were traveling in three vehicles when detectives acted on the intelligence and stopped them.
The vehicles included a grey Toyota Noah, registration number KCR 790A, and two white Toyota Hiace vans, registration numbers KDM 377M and KDE 819U.
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The two vans were operating under Nyakija Classic Shuttle on the Kisumu–Migori route, according to the DCI.
Detectives conducted searches of the vehicles and the occupants as part of the operation. Several mobile phones were recovered alongside assorted weapons and other items that investigators suspect could have been intended for criminal activities.
The operation comes amid renewed police efforts to disrupt suspected criminal gangs operating in parts of Kisumu. A week earlier, police arrested five suspected gang members during a raid on a suspected hideout in the Corner “S” area of Kasule Sub-Location, Kolwa Central.
The National Police Service said the five suspects, aged between 19 and 24, were believed to be part of a gang allegedly terrorizing residents at night in areas including Lolwe, Mambo Leo and Ogango. Officers recovered two knives, a sword and two wooden clubs during that operation.
Machetes, Pangas and Other Weapons Recovered
During the operation, detectives recovered an assortment of crude weapons from the suspects and vehicles.
The recovered items included machetes and pangas, knives, ropes and a metal rod with several mobile phones.
Police said the items were suspected to have been intended for criminal activities.
The 15 suspects were subsequently taken into custody together with the recovered exhibits. They are undergoing processing as detectives prepare the case for arraignment.
Suspected Leader Escapes During Police Operation
Despite the successful interception, detectives failed to apprehend the person they believe led the group.
The suspect was identified as Oliver Jaoko, also known as Oliveti. According to the DCI, Jaoko made a daring escape during the operation by jumping through a vehicle window.
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Detectives have since launched a search for the suspected gang leader as investigations continue.
Jaoko’s name had previously featured in a separate DCI investigation in Kisumu. In October 2024, the DCI announced the arrest of Oliver Ochieng Jaoko, in connection with the July 1, 2024, killing of Evans Opiyo and Mohammed Saleh at Kibuye Market.
The DCI said the two men were allegedly hacked to death following a dispute over control of proceeds from five washrooms at the market.
The 2024 case was investigated by officers from Kondele Police Station, who arrested Jaoko after a search and a tip-off led detectives to his hideout in Manyatta, Kisumu.
The 15 suspects remain in custody pending completion of processing and arraignment, while detectives continue investigating the group and pursuing the escaped suspect.
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