Two suspected gangsters were fatally shot during an attempted robbery in Yala, Siaya County, on the night of October 1, 2025. The confrontation also led to the injury of a Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officer who was on patrol at the time.
The incident unfolded when two middle-aged men stormed a local shop around 10:00 p.m., attempting to rob the female shopkeeper. In response, the shopkeeper managed to raise the alarm, prompting a nearby DCI officer to rush to the scene.
Upon arrival, the officer confronted the suspects, but the robbers attempted to flee, striking the officer with a metal rod in the chest. The officer, acting in self-defense, drew his firearm and shot both suspects dead on the spot. The bodies were later taken to the Yala sub-county hospital mortuary.
The officer, who sustained injuries from the attack, was admitted to the same hospital for treatment. Local authorities have confirmed that the deceased suspects were part of a larger criminal gang that has been responsible for a series of robberies in the area. The identity of one of the suspects, known by the alias ‘Buda,’ has been established, while the second suspect remains unidentified.
Gem Yala Sub-County Police Commander, Charles Wafula, provided details on the incident, stating that the gang has been under investigation for a string of criminal activities in the region. He commended the officer for acting swiftly in what seemed to be an otherwise dangerous situation.
This incident adds to the ongoing concerns over rising crime rates in Siaya County and highlights the persistent threat of criminal gangs operating in rural areas. The authorities continue to pursue leads on other members of the gang involved in previous robberies, with a focus on ensuring the safety of residents.
