The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Thursday, November 16 arrested a suspect who is allegedly behind banditry in the North Rift after a four-year search.
According to the police, the suspect identified as Lonyangapat Piranyang Komole, was arrested in Adoket Village Tiaty Sub- County.
Notably, the detectives were conducting an operation in Tiaty West when they nubbed the suspect.
“DCI detectives have arrested one suspect and recovered two assault rifles during an operation in Baringo County’s Tiaty West Sub County,” read part of the DCI statement.
Additionally, the sleuths noted that they have been looking for Lonyangapat for the last four years and he is suspected of being the mastermind of the spat of banditry in the North Rift region.
According to the police, the suspect has been involved in major theft cases across the North Rift region, adding that he is the third suspect to be apprehended.
Also Read: CS Kindiki Declares Climate Change a National Security Threat
Notably, due to the high cases of insecurity and rise in crime rate, DCI noted that the police have been keen on their search to restore peace in the affected areas.
According to the police, the arrest was a great breakthrough since the suspect shared crucial information that would help them to get more ammunition in the region.
Also, the officers recovered two AK47 rifles with 15 rounds of ammunition after a detailed search inside the suspected bandit’s house.
Subsequently, the DCI noted that the suspect is currently in police custody awaiting the necessary legal procedures before appearing in court.
CS Kindiki’s Warning to Bandits
At the beginning of the year, Interior CS Kithure Kindiki said the government’s operation to curb bandits in North Rift would succeed.
Also Read: Headteacher Narrates Ordeal After 5-Hour GSU Shootout with Gunmen
“I can confirm to the country that we will get to the root of this problem of hurtless murders by bloodthirsty terrorists posing as cattle thieves. I can also confirm that the operation will succeed,” Kindiki said then.
He also promised that the police would work towards getting hold of more ammunition.
“I can also confirm that all the illegal weapons which are in the hands of the criminals will be recovered. The government will recover all the illegal weapons that are in the hands of criminals,” he added.
This remarks by the Interior CS came following a series of banditry reports in the North Rift region that left several residents injured as some lost their lives in the attacks.
