Police officers in Kisumu have arrested the alleged leader of a notorious gang in a daring nighttime operation at the bustling Kibuye Market, marking a major breakthrough in the ongoing fight against criminal activity in the area.
The suspect, identified as Collins Idambo Mbalanya, 34, was apprehended at approximately 11:22 PM on the night of May 24, 2025. The arrest took place near the heart of the market, located roughly two kilometers southeast of the Kondele Police Station. Acting on credible intelligence, officers from specialized units launched a coordinated raid to capture the man believed to be behind a series of violent and disruptive crimes.
According to police, Mbalanya is suspected of masterminding a string of criminal activities, including physical assaults, issuing death threats, malicious damage to property, and persistent disturbances. These acts have not only endangered market traders and customers but also severely disrupted county government operations at the market, including sanitation services and revenue collection.
Kibuye Market, one of the largest and busiest in western Kenya, has for months been plagued by insecurity. Traders have reported being harassed and extorted by gangs operating openly within the premises, while county officials have faced constant resistance in their efforts to maintain cleanliness and order.
During the operation, a second suspect identified as Ronaldo Kevin, alias Basenga, aged 28, was also arrested. He was found in possession of a dangerous Somali sword and was unable to provide a valid explanation for his presence at the market during restricted hours. Police documented the weapon as evidence and secured it at the Kondele Police Station’s exhibit store, where it will remain until presented in court.
Authorities say the gang, under Mbalanya’s leadership, had established a climate of fear, making it nearly impossible for public officers to carry out their duties. Access to vital facilities such as public toilets had frequently been blocked, raising hygiene concerns and hampering essential services. Financial losses due to interference with revenue collection have also been reported.
In light of the threat posed by the suspects and the risk of retaliation by their associates, both Mbalanya and Kevin were transferred to the Railway Police Station in Kisumu for enhanced security. They are expected to appear before the Senior Principal Magistrate’s Court in Winam on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 8:00 AM, where they will face multiple charges including assault, making threats to kill under Section 223 of the Penal Code, and malicious damage to property under Section 339(1) of the Penal Code.
Security forces have indicated that the operation marks the beginning of a broader crackdown aimed at restoring safety and public order in Kisumu’s markets. Additional raids are being planned, and residents are being encouraged to cooperate by reporting any suspicious activities or individuals linked to the gang.
This arrest comes amid increasing concern over the rise in insecurity in urban informal markets across Kenya. Experts warn that such criminal networks, if left unchecked, could grow into more structured organizations, posing a significant threat to both public safety and economic stability.
The successful operation in Kisumu is being hailed as a significant win by both security agencies and local stakeholders, who have long demanded more decisive action to tackle gang-related violence and protect vital commercial spaces.
