Four suspects were arrested in Maua Town, Meru County, for attempting to sell firearms to undercover police officers. During the Thursday operation on December 5, two AK-47 rifles and two bullets were recovered.
Police reports indicate that the suspects, who arrived on a motorcycle with the weapons concealed in a miraa bag, had agreed to meet at the Maili Tatu area. Detectives, posing as buyers, negotiated a Sh300,000 deal for the rifles. Once the deal was underway, the officers revealed their identity, arrested the suspects, and took them into custody. The suspects are expected to be arraigned as investigations continue.
This comes amid growing concerns over rising crime in the region. Gunmen have reportedly been robbing and attacking locals, prompting increased police operations to crack down on the culprits.
In a separate incident in Matungu, Kakamega County, police shot dead two suspects believed to be part of a gang terrorizing residents. An AK-47 rifle with 15 bullets and a Bajaj motorcycle were recovered. Police tracked the suspects to a rented house in Matungu village, where the suspects resisted surrender, leading to a gunfight.
The recovered motorcycle is believed to belong to a police officer who was attacked by a gang in Butere on November 12, leaving him hospitalized in a coma. Authorities plan further operations in the affected areas to curb crime.
