No escape route: 17 panga-wielding goons arrested in Nyanza

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- DCI detectives intercepted three vehicles along the Kisumu–Kericho highway and arrested 15 suspects found with machetes, knives, and ropes

- A suspected gang leader identified as Oliver Jaoko escaped by jumping through a vehicle window as the operation unfolded

- A separate operation in Migori County led to the arrest of two more suspects and the recovery of five pangas from a silver Toyota Voxy

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested 17 suspected gang members and recovered an assortment of crude weapons following two separate but coordinated operations in Kisumu and Migori counties.

The larger of the two operations targeted a group of suspects travelling along the Kisumu–Kericho highway after intelligence indicated that armed individuals were moving in three vehicles on the route. Officers from the DCI Operations Support Unit (OSU), working alongside the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), Nyanza Region, and DCI Kisumu Central, moved in to intercept the convoy.

Suspects Intercepted Along Kisumu–Kericho Highway

Detectives stopped a grey Toyota Noah, registration KCR 790A, and two white Toyota Hiace vans, KDM 377M and KDE 819U, both operating under the Nyakija Classic Shuttle on the Kisumu–Migori route. Searches of the vehicles produced multiple machetes and pangas, knives, ropes, a metal rod, several mobile phones, and other items believed to have been intended for criminal use.

Fifteen suspects were taken into custody. However, one individual identified as Oliver Jaoko, also known as Oliveti and believed to have been the group's leader, fled by leaping through a vehicle window during the operation. Detectives are actively pursuing him.

Two More Arrested in Migori County

In a separate but related operation in Migori County, detectives from the Operation Action Team (OAT) acted on credible intelligence about armed individuals moving along Nthiwa Road in Yamase. Officers intercepted a silver Toyota Voxy, registration KDB 463W, at Yamase and arrested two suspects identified as Hillary Odhiambo and James Oloo Otieno.

Five pangas and additional crude weapons, believed to have been intended for criminal activity, were recovered from the vehicle. Both suspects are in custody and undergoing processing pending arraignment.

The National Police Service said the twin operations reflected its commitment to disrupting criminal networks before attacks could be carried out, and to keeping dangerous weapons off Kenyan streets.

Source: TUKO.co.ke

Reporting originally appeared via TUKO. Read the full source for additional context.