The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Four individuals were arrested for selling rifles to undercover police officers in Maua Town, Meru County.
The police operation, which took place on the afternoon of Thursday, December 5, led to the recovery of two AK47 rifles with two rounds of ammunition.
Detectives, posing as buyers, arranged a meeting with the suspects, who arrived on a motorcycle with the weapons hidden in a miraa bag. The suspects had agreed to sell the rifles for Sh300,000. After negotiations, the supposed buyers revealed themselves as undercover officers, ordered the suspects to lie down, and arrested them.
The four suspects are now in custody, awaiting a court appearance for a detention application as the investigation continues. Authorities also indicated that the region has seen an increase in criminal activity, prompting concerns and an ongoing investigation into the criminal group involved. There have been reports of gunmen attacking and robbing locals, which led to the police operation and weapons recovery. Additional operations are planned in response to the growing crime rate.
In another operation in Matungu, Kakamega County, two suspects were shot and killed by police, and an AK47 rifle with 15 rounds of ammunition was recovered. Authorities believe these individuals were part of a gang responsible for terrorizing locals in recent months. There has been a surge in violent crimes, including brutal murders and robberies, from May to November 2024. More than seven people have been killed, and many others have been robbed or injured, sparking public outcry.
Based on intelligence, police identified a hideout for the suspects in Matungu village. When officers surrounded the house and ordered the suspects to surrender, the two gunmen chose to engage in a firefight but were neutralized. The house contained the rifle, live ammunition, and a Bajaj motorcycle. Authorities believe the motorcycle belongs to a police officer who is currently in a coma in a Kakamega hospital after being attacked by a machete-wielding gang in Butere township on November 12, 2024.
A significant operation is planned in the area to curb rising crime levels.
