Police on Tuesday arrested a suspected bandit and recovered a gun and two cows during the ongoing Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift.
The suspect who police described as "a notorious bandit", was arrested at Nakorette Sub-Location in Korossi Location, Tiaty East Sub-County.
"He was placed in custody awaiting processing and arraignment," police said in a statement.
Meanwhile, the two cows, believed to have been stolen, were recovered alongside an AK 47 rifle at Nasur Village, Amaya Location in Tiaty East Sub-County following an intelligence-led operation.
"The two cows were handed over to the owner after positive identification, and the firearm is under safe custody pending further administrative action," the police said.
On February 16, the government commenced a police-led military-assisted security operation in six bandit-prone counties of North Rift following a spike in bandit attacks.
The operation followed a directive issued by President William Ruto on February 13 which was to begin after a three-day voluntary disarmament exercise.
Some 140 firearms had been surrendered by March 9.
The second phase of the operation started on March 11 as the government vowed to crack down on bandits who continued causing havoc all through phase one of the security operation.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki said on March 9 during an update in Naivasha that the second phase would permanently deal with the criminals.
"The cheap antics, theatrics and manoeuvres that these criminals continue to depict simply because they have done it before and succeeded. I want to assure the people of Kenya this administration will permanently end this problem. We will liberate the North," Kindiki said.
He spoke when addressing members of the Senate Committee on National Security and Defence at Sawela Lodge in Naivasha.
