Six linked to theft arrested in Homa Bay, stolen goods recovered

Detectives in Homa Bay have arrested six suspects linked to theft and burglary of household items that have been reported in the county.

The suspects are said to been operating as a gang who engage in robbery with violence, burglary and other criminal activities that have been witnessed in Homa Bay.

The six suspects are detained at Homa Bay police station.

Two of them are buyers of the stolen items while the others are members of individual criminal groups.

Such incidences have been reported at various police stations across the county.

Last week, a murder incident occurred at Olare trading centre in Rangwe after a petrol station attendant was killed by two men who were pretending to be buying petrol for their motorbike.

They sped off after taking away unknown amount of money from the pockets of the deceased.

Directorate of Criminal Investigations Commander in the area Abed Kavoo said they receive four cases of robbery incidents daily.

“Homa Bay has become a centre of theft and burglary perpetuated by a gang of criminals. It’s unfortunate that some of my staffers also victims,” Kavoo said.

They break in and steal TVs, fridges and gas cookers, hoofers, basins, cutleries and other household items and electronics.

Kavoo said churches and mosques which are places of worship are also not spared.

Their operations have been extended to Migori, Kisii and Kisumu counties where they arrested the suspects.

“The suspects are under interrogation and we expect them to name their accomplices before they are arraigned. We want residents to continue reporting such cases to police for investigations,” he added. 

Kavoo said the suspects who steal have adopted Islamic names to hide their real identity and each group has an expert in riding motorcycles which they use to escape from crime scenes while carrying the stolen items.

“Some are people who are known by residents. Most of them do other duties during the day including riding motorcycles but turn to criminal activities at night,” he said.

Some of their customers are bar owners who are in need of large television sets which they use to entertain revelers.

It has also been estimated that some robbery incidents are executed when the criminals are armed with guns with the men putting on police uniforms.

Kavoo said this is part of the ongoing investigations as they try to establish where the criminals get the firearms and clothes belonging to security officers.

The latest case of robbery involving guns was during political campaigns where Rangwe parliamentary candidate Omburo Odaje was robbed of Sh1 million at his home by unidentified people who were armed with pistols.

Residents were told not to buy household items they suspect are stolen.

“Let residents install CCTV cameras in business establishments and even if possible their homes to help beef up security,” he added.