A 40-year-old robbery with violence suspect was arrested in connection with a series of robberies plaguing the Lokichar township and its surroundings.
Following a tip-off from members of the public, a team of officers from Lokichar Police Station in Turkana County launched an operation that led to his arrest, upon which the suspect led officers to his residence in Kapese village.
There, a
search led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, one AK-47 magazine, and seven
rounds of 7.62 x 39mm ammunition.
Additionally,
the officers recovered multiple motorcycle frames, a car wash pressure pump, a solar
inverter, and a white Tata double cab, among other items.
Police said they are investigating to establish how many cases the man has been
linked to.
He was expected to take a plea for robbery with violence on Thursday as investigations continue.
The area has been
experiencing different forms of robbery, with violent cases amid police
operations to address the trend.
Elsewhere, police are investigating a case where gunmen raided villages in Suguta Marmar,
Samburu County and robbed locals of 41 goats.
The gang of three shot to the
air at the Longewan cattle dip field before driving off with the goats, police
and locals said.
A major hunt was later launched
in the area, but it was in vain. No recovery of arrest was made, police said.
A team from the Anti-Stock
Theft Unit and other officials are pursuing the gunmen following the April 7
incident.
The area is under Operation
Maliza Uhalifu phase two, which was launched by Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba
Murkomen two weeks ago.
According to the CS, OMU Two will have its command Centre in Kirimon in Laikipia County tasked to deal with the emerging crimes in the troubled areas and restore peace and normalcy.
The new operation will cover Samburu, Laikipia, Isiolo and parts of Meru counties.
This is a joint operation of the National Police Service (NPS) and Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to deal with banditry and restore security targeting the North Rift counties of Turkana, West Pokot, Baringo, Laikipia, Samburu and Elgeyo/Marakwet.
They will be working closely with the National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs), NPRs and Rangers.
The first OMU command Centre is at Chemolingot, Tiaty, in Baringo county, aimed at eliminating the banditry activities in the North Rift.
He said the operation will incorporate the use of technology, and the ministry is in the process of acquiring modern advanced equipment with more endurance and capabilities.
