Police in Kakamega made significant strides in curbing crime with the arrest of two suspects and the recovery of a stolen motorcycle during an early morning operation. The coordinated raid took place around 3:00 am in the Mudete area on Friday, June 13, 2025, following intelligence reports regarding a stolen red Boxer motorcycle.
Acting swiftly on a tip-off, officers from Kakamega and Mudete Police Stations launched the joint operation targeting a rental house near Mudete Centre. The specific motorcycle in question, a red Boxer bearing the registration number KMFQ 735P, had previously been reported stolen. During the operation, the officers recovered the motorcycle, which had been hidden in one of the rooms. It was later positively identified by its rightful owner.
Two suspects found at the scene were apprehended and placed in police custody. The recovered motorcycle was transported to Kakamega Police Station, where it will be held as part of ongoing investigations. Authorities are expected to present the suspects in court as inquiries continue into the broader network possibly involved in motorcycle theft.
This incident is part of a broader nationwide crackdown targeting motorcycle theft, a crime that has plagued boda boda operators and disrupted livelihoods in many regions. Motorcycles are a lifeline for many Kenyans, especially in rural and peri-urban areas, and their theft often translates into significant economic loss. Criminals involved in such thefts frequently use secluded rental houses or abandoned buildings to store or dismantle stolen bikes, either for resale or to sell the parts separately.
This tactic has been observed in multiple counties across Kenya, pointing to an organized network behind the thefts. In earlier operations, such as one conducted in 2023 in Kericho County, several motorcycles were found concealed in similar hideouts. These recurring patterns highlight the importance of proactive policing and timely intelligence gathering.
The role of community members has also proven crucial. Authorities continue to urge residents to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious individuals or activities. Community-police collaboration has led to numerous breakthroughs, as local knowledge often provides leads that formal investigations may miss.
In support of these enhanced security efforts, the government recently allocated increased funding to the National Police Service. In the 2025/26 national budget, the service received a notable financial boost, bringing the total allocation to approximately Ksh125.7 billion. These funds are intended to upgrade police equipment, improve officer welfare, and enhance training programs initiatives that are expected to yield long-term benefits in law enforcement efficiency.
With improved resources and strengthened community engagement, authorities remain hopeful that such joint operations will significantly deter criminal activities and restore public confidence in security services.
