At least four guns were recovered in a series of police operations that led to the arrest of 16 suspects across different regions.
In the first incident, detectives from Nakuru Central Police Station dismantled a suspected gang involved in violent robberies in the Eveready area of Nakuru. Acting on tips from local residents, the police conducted a raid on a house in Soilo, Nakuru West Subcounty. The operation resulted in the recovery of a Ceska pistol (serial no. 75P07) with a loaded magazine containing 12 rounds. Seven suspects were arrested and are now in custody awaiting arraignment.
In another operation in Molo, police arrested two suspects linked to a series of robberies with violence. The suspects led officers to a house in the Milimani area, where a black pistol, wrapped in a green paper bag, was recovered. The firearm’s make and serial number were not visible, but it is suspected to have been used in various robberies within Molo town.
In Samburu’s Baragoi area, a multi-agency security team recovered two AK-47 rifles with 14 bullets from suspected bandits. The suspects had reportedly raided villages in Kilesua and stolen 20 goats. The security forces managed to recover the stolen livestock and arrested five suspects. Despite ongoing government operations in the region, cattle rustling remains a significant challenge.
The government has deployed various strategies, including multi-agency operations, to address the issue of illegal firearms and cattle rustling in regions like Samburu. These operations cover multiple counties as part of efforts to recover weapons in the hands of civilians.
The Operation Komesha Uhalifu North Rift targets Baringo, West Pokot, Turkana, Samburu, Marsabit, Meru and Isiolo counties.
Besides retributive reaction, strategic investment and sustainable development have also taken a prominent place among the government’s planned crime control interventions for Kenya’s Northern frontier and the Kerio Valley belt.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said the long-term vision is to empower the communities to actively take part in the war against animal rustling and undertake legitimate nation-building activities.
He said he plans to distribute subsidised agricultural inputs and extension services to area residents in a bid to revive farming activities as a source of livelihood.
“We are coming to dismantle not only the criminals themselves but also to bring down the entire chain that has been the cattle and livestock rustling industry,” he said.
