Detectives have uncovered what they believe was the operational hideout of a criminal gang that has been linked to a series of violent robberies in the Rift Valley, barely 24 hours after four suspected gang members were fatally shot during a police operation along the Eldoret-Kiplombe-Soy Road.
The discovery was made following an intelligence-led raid by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Soy Unit at a house in the Sungura area of Huruma, Eldoret.
According to preliminary investigations, the house served as the gang’s base of operations, where members allegedly planned and coordinated criminal activities before carrying out attacks.
During a thorough search of the premises, detectives recovered five Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) jungle jackets, a heavy wedge hammer, a crowbar, two mobile phones and other items believed to be linked to the gang’s operations.
Investigators say the recovery of military-style clothing strengthens suspicions that the gang had been masquerading as police and military personnel while targeting motorists and other road users across the Rift Valley region.
Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) officers processed the scene and documented the recovered exhibits, which have been secured for forensic analysis as investigations continue.
Detectives are also pursuing two suspects who escaped during Sunday’s operation and are seeking to establish the full extent of the gang’s activities and possible links to other criminal incidents in the region.
The latest development follows a deadly confrontation on July 6, when detectives from the Operation Action Team (OAT), working alongside local police officers, intercepted six suspected gang members along the Eldoret-Kiplombe-Soy Road after receiving intelligence from members of the public.
Police said the suspects, who had allegedly been posing as police officers to terrorise motorists, opened fire after they were cornered by detectives.
Officers returned fire, leading to a gun battle in which four suspects were fatally wounded. Two others escaped on motorcycles towards Eldoret town.
A search of the scene led to the recovery of a loaded Falcon pistol containing six rounds of ammunition, a homemade firearm, one spent cartridge, balaclava masks, gloves, ropes, a hammer and crude housebreaking tools.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations thanked members of the public for providing information that led to the operation and urged residents to continue sharing intelligence to support efforts aimed at dismantling criminal networks and improving public safety.
