Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers in Samburu County have arrested a 20-year-old suspect linked to a series of violent robbery incidents in Maralal town.

The detectives who were acting on an intelligence, apprehended the suspect, identified as Christopher Ayok Lemarkele, after he brazenly stormed a local shop in Maralal town.

In a statement released by the DCI on Thursday, Lemarkele, armed with an AK-47 rifle and accompanied by an accomplice, posed as ordinary customers, before the situation quickly turned deadly, with the suspect drawing firearms and aiming directly at the cashier.

DCI further stated that Lemarkele fired a shot after the cashier pushed the weapon away.

“In a moment of courage, the cashier managed to push the weapon away, but not before Lemarkele fired a shot, resulting in a bullet grazing her left breast and inflicting a painful soft tissue injury,” DCI said.

“The cashier was rushed to the Samburu County Referral Hospital, where she received treatment and was discharged in stable condition.”

The duo made off with Sh50,000, which prompted a manhunt that eventually led to Lemarkele’s arrest.

Upon his arrest, detectives uncovered several items including a green jungle hat, a smoke jacket, a jungle green jacket, and a jungle belt believed to be used in the robberies.

Lemarkele is currently in custody, undergoing processing and awaiting arraignment in court.