Gang Leader Escapes as Police Arrest Criminals Hired to Disrupt Political Rallies in Kisumu
Share
The National Police Service (NPS) has arrested 15 suspects allegedly hired to disrupt political activities in the area, recovering crude weapons from three vehicles along the Kisumu-Kericho highway.
In a statement, NPS said the arrests were made on Saturday, August 15, 2026, following an intelligence-led operation involving detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The NPS said preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects were hired criminals who allegedly planned to disrupt political activities.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that they are hired criminals who allegedly planned to disrupt political activities in the area,” the NPS said.
According to the DCI, the operation followed intelligence that a group of people armed with crude weapons was travelling in three vehicles along the Kisumu-Kericho highway.
Detectives from the DCI Operations Support Unit (OSU), working with officers from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), Nyanza Region, and DCI Kisumu Central, moved in and intercepted the vehicles.
The suspects were travelling in a grey Toyota Noah, registration number KCR 790A, and two white Toyota Hiace vans, registration numbers KDM 377M and KDE 819U.
The two vans were operating under Nyakija Classic Shuttle along the Kisumu-Migori route.
Police Recover Machetes, Pangas and Knives
A search of the vehicles and suspects led to the recovery of several mobile phones and a collection of crude weapons.
DCI said detectives recovered assorted machetes and pangas, knives, ropes, a metal rod or club, and other items suspected to have been intended for criminal activities.
The suspects were arrested and taken into custody together with the recovered exhibits.
Also Read: DCI Responds to Gachagua’s Claims on Police Officers Linked to Dr Mutiso’s Murder
Suspected Gang Leader Escapes
During the operation, one suspect identified as Oliver Jaoko, also known as Oliveti, reportedly escaped.
The DCI said Jaoko was believed to be leading the group and made a daring escape by jumping through a vehicle window.
“Meanwhile, detectives are hot on the trail of the suspected gang leader, who managed to escape,” the DCI said.
Police are now pursuing Jaoko as investigations into the group continue.
Also Read: Kenya Met Lists Areas to Receive Rainfall in Mid-August
NPS Warn Against Political Violence
The NPS has warned politicians, organisers and other individuals against incitement, provocation or any conduct likely to breach the peace.
“Offenders will face the full force of the law,” the police said.
The service also directed officers deployed to political events and public gatherings to uphold professionalism, impartiality and restraint.
NPS said officers must facilitate the right to peaceful assembly while ensuring public order and safety.
The police further urged the public to report any criminal or suspicious activities to the nearest police station or through the toll-free numbers 999 and 911.
Members of the public can also contact the DCI through 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.
The NPS said it remains non-partisan and committed to protecting citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
Follow our WhatsApp channel for instant news updates
Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja speaks during a press briefing on the arrest of the main suspect linked to the murders of nine victims whose bodies were retrieved from the Kware dumpsite in Mukuru Kwa Njenga on July 15 2024. PHOTO/NPS