Homa Bay police station./KNA
Some 40 juveniles aged between 15 and 19 years have been arrested during a police operation targeting suspected criminals in Shauri Yako slum within Homa Bay town.
The suspects, believed to be members of the "Rock Boys" gang, were arrested following a three-day targeted crackdown by officers from Homa Bay Police Station. Among those arrested is a Grade Nine pupil.
Police linked the group to a rise in criminal incidents reported in Shauri Yako over the past six months.
Arujo Location Chief Bob Lang'o said the operation followed an incident last Thursday in which criminals attacked and seriously injured a resident who had attempted to stop them from robbing a woman in the Shauri Yako area.
The injured man was initially rushed to Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital in critical condition before being transferred to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital (JOOTRH) for specialised treatment.
Following the attack, members of the public launched a search for the suspects before police intervened and took over the operation.
Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem confirmed the arrests, saying the suspects were apprehended from various hideouts during the ongoing operation that began on Thursday.
Koilem said preliminary investigations indicated that some of the juveniles already have pending criminal cases before the courts.
"These are kids. Among those we later apprehended, one had a prior record of robbery with violence. They are of ages between 15 and 19," he noted.
The police commander added that the crackdown will continue as security agencies intensify efforts to restore order and curb criminal activities in Shauri Yako.
The teenagers are still in custody awaiting arraignment in court.
