Police officers in Eldoret town have arrested a man suspected to be among a gang that has been terrorizing locals.
Uasin Gishu County Criminal Investigations Officer (CCIO) Peter Kimulwo says the suspect was nabbed on Wednesday, following intelligence reports.
In a media briefing at the Central Police Station in Eldoret town, Kimulwo said the suspect identified as Henry Kibet Oroto was arrested at Kambi Ngurue area in Langas estate.
“Following intelligence reports, we send DCI officers who when they arrived at the area, a gentleman, even before they could question him, he drew a pistol and fired at them,” said the CCIO.
“But the officers being trained, they ducked and returned fire. A shootout ensued and when the suspect realized that he was not going to be lucky, he surrendered,” he added.
The police officers recovered the firearm and after its inspection, it was established that it matched a pistol that had been reported stolen.
Pistol stolen from car
According to the criminal investigations boss, the pistol was stolen early this month at Pioneer estate from a Ruiru-based police inspector who was on official duty in Eldoret.
The officer is said to have visited a friend in the estate and left the pistol with other valuables in the car. But when he returned, he found the car had been broken into and the pistol alongside other valuables stolen.
“We’ve been following leads into the incident and we are lucky that we got intelligence reports this morning,” said Kimulwo.
The suspect who is in his mid-30s is now in police custody facing interrogation. Already, the CCIO says, he has provided them with key leads about his accomplices.
He has also confessed that the firearm has been used in at least four recent criminal incidences in Eldoret town.
Police say the pistol was stolen with 15 rounds of ammunition but when recovered it only had three. He fired three rounds at the DCI officers who arrested him.
“We are still interrogating him and soon the suspect will be arranged in court to face different charges. There are also many cases that we expect to be revived based on information we are getting from him,” noted the CCIO.
Meanwhile, he has assured members of the public that police are working round the clock to ensure they are safe.
He further warned those involved in criminal activities to find other legitimate engagements before the long hand of the law gets hold of them.
