Suspected Serial Robber Arrested as Stolen G3 Rifle Recovered in Kisumu Crackdown

Detectives in Kisumu County, working jointly with experts from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) and the Operations Directorate from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations headquarters, have arrested a suspected serial robbery suspect and recovered a G3 rifle linked to multiple violent incidents across Kisumu County and Kakamega County.

The arrest also led to the recovery of a motor vehicle believed to have been used as a getaway car, along with several stolen items. Authorities have withheld the suspect’s identity pending an identification parade. He is currently in custody and is being processed for arraignment, while efforts to track down his accomplices and recover another missing firearm continue.

Investigators revealed that the recovered rifle is among weapons stolen during the February 27, 2026 attack on Nyalenda Police Patrol Base, where several officers and a civilian were injured and two loaded G3 rifles taken.

The suspect has been linked to a robbery on March 17, 2026, at Arena Phase 4 Estate in Kisumu Central Sub-County. Armed with the recovered rifle, a panga and other crude weapons, the gang reportedly stormed a business premises, stealing electronics including a television, woofer, computers, mobile phones and other valuables before fleeing in a waiting vehicle.

In a separate incident on March 9, 2026, the suspect and two accomplices allegedly carried out another robbery at Duka Moja Shopping Centre in Kakamega South Sub-County. Riding on a motorcycle and armed with a firearm and crude weapons, the trio is said to have stolen cash, a laptop and several phones before escaping.

Detectives have also linked the group to another robbery in Kajulu, Kisumu East Sub-County, where the suspects reportedly used the same rifle. During that attack, they allegedly fired at a shop door to force entry before stealing money and other valuables, escaping on a motorcycle with a concealed number plate.

Authorities believe the gang may have been involved in a series of violent crimes reported in February 2026, including the Nyalenda police base attack.

Following the incidents, detectives launched coordinated investigations that culminated in the suspect’s arrest and the recovery of the firearm and a motor vehicle, registration number KDH 812L, believed to have been used in the Arena Phase 4 robbery.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has reaffirmed its commitment to dismantling criminal networks and ensuring public safety, urging members of the public with any useful information to come forward.