Detectives based in Kakamega town on Tuesday evening arrested three suspected gangsters and recovered a pistol suspected to have been stolen from a police officer.
The DCI said the Ceska pistol loaded with 15 rounds of ammunition was recovered from the trio at their hideout in a house within Mukumu, Khayega location.
"This followed an intensive crackdown by the DCI Western command on criminals and criminal gangs in the area," the DCI said in a statement.
He gave the names of the suspects as Joseph Maina (22), Dennis Githae (25) and Stanley Githae (20).
Household goods suspected to have been stolen in various robbery incidents within Kakamega county were also recovered during the sting operation.
The items included laptops, smart phones, television sets, home theatres among other electronic items and kitchenware.
"The suspects are currently being held at the Khayega police station pending arraignment in court Wednesday morning," the DCI said.
The recovered pistol will be subjected to ballistic analysis at the DCI National Forensic Laboratory to establish if it was used in previous acts of crime.
The arrest of the suspects and recovery of the firearm followed intelligence reports about their whereabouts.
Earlier in the day, similar intelligence reports led detectives to the hideout of a notorious criminal gang calling itself Mbogi La Izraim Territory.
Police said the group has been terrorising residents and business owners in Kakamega town.
Detectives said the group was formed to avenge the deaths of three robbery suspects who were cornered and lynched by members of the public.
Watchmen were the group's main targets as they believe they informed on them.
