Police in Kisii County have arrested 15 youths suspected to be members of a violent gang following growing concern among residents over rising insecurity in the town and its surrounding areas.
Kitutu Central Police Commander Kazungu Charo confirmed on Sunday that the arrests were made during a special operation conducted by a multi-agency security team.
He said the operation targeted areas that had been frequently mentioned by residents as crime hotspots, particularly during nighttime hours.
According to the police, some of the suspects were found in possession of crude weapons, including machetes, knives, and steel rods, which are believed to have been used in committing crimes across several estates within the town.
The arrests come barely 72 hours after media reports highlighted the fears of local residents who had complained about the emergence of a dangerous youth gang.
The reports indicated that the gang had been linked to a series of violent attacks, resulting in one confirmed death and several other victims sustaining serious injuries.
Preliminary reports about the gang surfaced on social media before residents began confirming that the threat was real and escalating within their neighborhoods.
Victims interviewed by the media showed injuries sustained during the attacks, underscoring the severity of the situation and the fear gripping the community.
Police have assured residents that operations will continue to dismantle the gang and restore security in Kisii town, urging the public to cooperate with law enforcement by sharing information that could help curb criminal activity.
