A suspected member of a criminal gang has been arrested in Kisumu after a multi-agency security operation led to the recovery of weapons, bhang, government stores and tactical gear.
The operation was conducted in the Kondele area by officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Administration Police Service (APS) and General Service Unit (GSU), following intelligence linking individuals in the area to criminal activities.
Police intercepted a white Toyota Axio, registration number KCZ 808K, and arrested 34-year-old Franklin Okungu, also known as “Ninjaman”. Investigators believe Okungu is associated with suspected gang leader Oliver Jaoko, alias “Olivetti”. Following his arrest, detectives accompanied him to his home in Manyatta, where they carried out a search.
Among the items recovered were several pouches containing arrows, three machetes and a customised club fitted with a metal casing and screw-gear head. Officers also seized two military-style jungle ground sheets, a red beret, tactical shirt, trousers and shorts, as well as a black military-pattern helmet. The search further yielded 16 cookies allegedly infused with cannabis, additional bhang and a diary containing handwritten notes on tactics and techniques. Training manuals and other material relating to warfare were also recovered.
Crime Scene Investigators from the Nyanza Region documented the scene and processed the recovered exhibits. Police said an inventory of the items was prepared and signed by Okungu. Preliminary investigations indicate that Okungu allegedly served as an instructor in an outfit referred to as “American Marines”, which investigators say was associated with Jaoko.
Police allege that he trained members of the group in the use of swords, pangas and machetes, in addition to teaching karate and other combat skills. Investigators further claim the outfit initially consisted of bouncers and other youths who were mobilised and hired to undertake various assignments before eventually developing into a group known as the “Summit Gang”.
Okungu is being prepared for arraignment, where he is expected to face several charges, including robbery with violence under Section 296(2) of the Penal Code, possession of public stores under Section 324(3), and possession of property suspected to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained under Section 323. He is also expected to face a narcotics-related charge under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (Control) Act, as well as a charge relating to participation in organised criminal activity.
Police have urged members of the public to continue providing information that could help authorities identify criminal groups and prevent gang-related activities.
