Police in Kisumu successfully apprehended a suspect after a dramatic shootout along St. Otieno Oyoo Street, near Patel Sarmaj Temple, on October 27, 2025. The officers, who were on routine patrol, spotted three suspicious individuals, one of whom was carrying a plastic bag. When the suspect noticed the police, he quickly drew a rifle from the bag and opened fire.
The officers swiftly responded to the attack, cornering the suspect inside Patel Sarmaj Temple. As they closed in, the armed individual held a security guard at gunpoint, robbing him of his mobile phone and other personal belongings. In a further attempt to evade capture, the suspect tied the guard’s hands behind his back with a piece of cloth and continued to exchange fire with the police.
Special response teams were called to the scene and set up a perimeter around the building. The suspect, realizing he was cornered, fled to the rooftop and hid inside a large water tank. Police managed to locate and arrest him after a tense standoff.
Upon searching the suspect, officers recovered an AK-47 rifle, which was loaded with five rounds of 7.2mm special ammunition. Additionally, one spent cartridge was found at the scene. Authorities believe that this weapon has been used in multiple robbery incidents within Kisumu City.
The suspect is currently being held at Kisumu Central Police Station, where he is undergoing interrogation. Authorities have confirmed that two other individuals managed to escape during the shootout, and efforts to track them down are ongoing. Police are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any information that could help in locating the remaining suspects.
In a statement, Kisumu Central Deputy Sub-County Police Commander, Bakari Juma, praised the swift response of the officers and assured the public that the city would no longer tolerate criminal activity. He emphasized that the police would utilize all available resources to ensure that criminals are apprehended and brought to justice, reinforcing the commitment to maintaining peace and stability in Kisumu.
