A wanted member of a criminal gang operating in Siaya County has been arrested over the killing of a police officer last month.
In a statement on Tuesday, December 19, the National Police Service (NPS) said Hastings Omondi Odipo aka Martin aka Umar was arrested in Usenge village following a tip-off from members of the public.
The 25-year-old and four others are linked to an incident, where a police officer was stabbed to death and robbed of his rifle while escorting examination papers to Mahero Secondary School in Alego Usonga Sub-county on November 20, 2023.
The gang also made away with another firearm belonging to the late officer’s colleague during the incident.
The other four suspects are Edwin Omondi alias Rashid, Simon Ochieng Ouma alias Ali Baba, Salim Jackoyo, and Edward Wanyama Mukanga alias Abu Naiyah.
The police had published the names and photos of Omondi and his associates in the media, asking members of the public to volunteer information on their whereabouts.
“The National Police Service appreciates the swift action by members of the public that led to the arrest of the culprit, Hasting Omondi in Usenge Village within Bondo area of Siaya County, where he was hiding after committing the crime,” NPS said.
The suspect is being held at Lwala Kotieno Police Station pending arraignment in court.
According to police reports the suspect hails from a humble background in Kadenge area, where he worked as a fisherman at Nina Beach near Lake Victoria before joining a criminal gang linked to a spate of criminal activities in Western and Nyanza regions.
The rest of the gang members, who are still at large, have been directed to surrender to the nearest police stations.
“Members of the public can share any information on other wanted persons to the nearest Police station or through the toll-free number 0800722203,” the police added.
