A high-profile police operation in Kakamega Town has led to the arrest of five suspects and the recovery of narcotics, uncustomed cigarettes, and suspected stolen property.
The swoop was carried out after intelligence reports indicated ongoing criminal activities in the area. Acting on the information, officers mounted a targeted operation on Saturday, August 16, resulting in multiple arrests and the seizure of contraband.
Authorities recovered approximately 1,412 rolls of bhang, a haul believed to have been intended for distribution in the region. In addition, officers intercepted several brands of uncustomed cigarettes, including 16 packets of Oris, 25 packets of Milano, and one packet of Supermatch. The crackdown also uncovered stolen household items, among them three 6kg gas cylinders and various assorted goods.
The five suspects are currently in custody and are expected to face charges in court on Monday, August 18. Investigators are pursuing additional leads to establish the full extent of the suspects’ network and whether more individuals are linked to the illicit trade.
Security agencies have emphasized the importance of public cooperation in curbing illegal activities, noting that information provided by residents played a vital role in the success of the operation. The arrests form part of a broader effort to dismantle drug trafficking rings and stamp out the circulation of illicit goods across the Western region.
Meanwhile, in a separate but related crackdown, detectives uncovered a sophisticated electricity theft syndicate in Mpinda village, Igembe. Two suspects believed to be the masterminds of the illegal network were apprehended during the sting. The suspects had set up underground connections, tapping directly from the national grid and distributing power to unauthorised users.
Investigations revealed that the illegal setup was supplying electricity to more than 21 borehole pumps, which in turn provided water to large miraa farms across Mpinda and the surrounding villages of Kabuitu, Kanyakine, Muthucine, and Mangala. The racket is estimated to have caused losses exceeding Ksh90 million through revenue theft and damage to national power infrastructure.
Both operations highlight the ongoing commitment by security and investigative agencies to clamp down on illegal drugs, stolen goods, and electricity-related crimes. Authorities have urged the public to continue sharing information that may aid in dismantling these criminal networks.
