Police officers from Kondele Police Station in Kisumu Central Sub County have arrested a man believed to be the leader of a notorious criminal gang that has terrorized traders and disrupted operations at Kibuye Market during a well-coordinated night operation.
The operation, carried out by specialized technical units from across Kisumu Central, was based on intelligence and took place on the night of May 24, 2025.
Authorities describe 34-year-old Collins Idambo Mbalanya as the suspected mastermind behind a series of crimes, including assaults, death threats, property damage, and repeated disturbances within the market.
These offenses, which occurred throughout 2025, have not only put traders and customers at risk but also severely disrupted county efforts to maintain sanitation and collect revenue from the market.
Police reports indicate Mbalanya faces multiple serious charges, including assault and causing disturbances, threats to kill under Section 223 of the Penal Code, as well as malicious damage to property under Section 339(1).
A second suspect, 28-year-old Ronaldo Kevin, also known as Basenga, was arrested at the scene.
He was found carrying a Somali sword and failed to provide a valid explanation for being at the market during curfew hours.
The weapon was catalogued, signed by the suspect, and is now securely held at the Kondele Police Station exhibit store, awaiting presentation in court.
Authorities disclosed that the gang, led by Mbalanya and his associates, had instilled fear throughout the market, disrupting essential services.
County officials have frequently been prevented from accessing facilities such as public toilets for cleaning and maintenance, leading to serious hygiene concerns and financial losses.
A source close to the operation, speaking anonymously, stated, "The County Government of Kisumu has repeatedly expressed frustration over the obstruction of revenue collection and restricted access to market infrastructure. This gang has made maintaining public order nearly impossible."
Due to the threat posed by the suspects and the risk of retaliation from their network, both were transferred to the Railway Police Station in Kisumu to ensure their security.
