Two individuals suspected to be part of a criminal gang responsible for a series of violent robberies in Busia have been apprehended by detectives. The arrests were carried out following an intelligence-led operation that led officers to a hideout in Malaba, where the suspects were cornered and taken into custody.
The suspects, identified as Boniface Nyongesa Masakari and Denis Obelo Ekisa, are believed to be part of a group that has been orchestrating a string of robberies that have left residents in Busia town and its outskirts living in fear. Over recent weeks, numerous reports of brazen attacks and property thefts had been made, prompting heightened security operations in the region.
According to investigators, the two suspects were found in possession of a Tokarev pistol loaded with eight rounds of ammunition. The firearm was recovered from Nyongesa’s residence during a thorough search of the premises. Authorities believe the weapon may have been used in several of the reported robbery incidents.
The breakthrough comes after a sustained effort by law enforcement agencies to crack down on organized criminal activities in the border town. Busia, due to its strategic location along the Kenya-Uganda border, has occasionally faced challenges relating to cross-border crime, with gangs exploiting the busy transit routes to evade capture.
Residents of Busia have welcomed the arrests, expressing relief that progress is being made in restoring security in the area. Many have recounted harrowing experiences of night-time break-ins, muggings, and even carjackings that have become increasingly common. In some cases, victims have been injured during the violent encounters with the robbers, further fueling demands for a robust police response.
Local leaders and community representatives have repeatedly urged the government to step up patrols and increase the number of officers stationed in crime-prone zones. The arrest of the two suspects is therefore being seen as a significant step in addressing the issue and dismantling the networks responsible for the unrest.
Security agencies have indicated that investigations are ongoing and more arrests could follow. The detectives are also working to establish if the suspects have connections to wider criminal syndicates operating across the region, including potential collaborators from across the border.
Following their arrest, the suspects are currently undergoing formal police processing. They are expected to be arraigned in court soon, where they will face charges related to illegal possession of a firearm and involvement in violent criminal activities.
Authorities have reiterated their commitment to ensuring safety in Busia and surrounding areas. They have encouraged the public to remain vigilant and to continue sharing information that may lead to the apprehension of other suspects still at large.
In recent weeks, several other criminal crackdowns have taken place across different parts of the country, with arrests linked to drug trafficking, illegal arms possession, and violent crimes. These coordinated efforts are part of a broader national strategy to combat crime and improve public safety.
As investigations into the Busia robberies continue, police are optimistic that the arrests mark the beginning of the end for the gang that has caused distress among residents. The public is being urged to cooperate fully with ongoing inquiries to ensure justice is served and peace restored in the community.
