A suspected gang member has been arrested in Kisumu following a multi-agency security operation that led to the recovery of cannabis sativa, crude weapons, government stores and tactical equipment from his residence.
The operation, which targeted suspected members of criminal gangs and their associates in Kondele, was conducted by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Administration Police Service (APS) and General Service Unit (GSU).
The officers intercepted a white Toyota Axio and arrested a 34-year-old man who was aboard the vehicle.
The DCI said the suspect is believed to be a gang member.
Following his arrest, the suspect allegedly led detectives to his residence in Manyatta, where officers conducted a search and recovered several items.
"The operation resulted in the recovery of pouches containing arrows, three machetes, a customised club fitted with a metal casing and screw-gear head," the agency stated in a statement.
Detectives also recovered two military-pattern jungle ground sheets, a red beret, a tactical shirt, tactical trousers, tactical shorts and a black military-style helmet.
The operation further led to the recovery of 16 cannabis sativa-infused cookies, commonly known as weed cookies, as well as cannabis sativa, or bhang.
A diary containing handwritten entries detailing tactics and techniques, training manuals and other warfare-related material were also recovered during the search.
“The scene was processed and documented by Crime Scene Investigators (CSI) from Nyanza Region, while an inventory of the recovered exhibits was prepared and signed by the suspect,” the DCI said.
Preliminary investigations have linked the suspect to an outfit known as “American Marines”, where he is alleged to have served as an instructor.
The DCI said the outfit was reportedly associated with a criminal gang network and that the suspect allegedly served as an instructor, training its members in the handling of swords, pangas and machetes, as well as karate and other combat techniques.
“Investigations have further established that the outfit comprised bouncers and other youths who were allegedly mobilised and hired for various assignments before subsequently evolving into a group known as the ‘Summit Gang’,” the DCI said.
The agency said investigations were ongoing as the suspect was being processed for arraignment.
The suspect is expected to face charges including robbery with violence contrary to Section 296(2) of the Penal Code, possession of public stores contrary to Section 324(3), and possession of property suspected to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained contrary to Section 323.
He is also expected to face charges relating to possession of narcotic drugs under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act and participation in organised criminal activity under the applicable law.
The DCI urged members of the public to continue sharing information that could assist security agencies in identifying and disrupting criminal gangs and their activities.
