5 arrested in Kakamega following drug and theft operation
A major police operation in Kakamega Town has led to the arrest of five persons of interest and the recovery of narcotics, uncustomed cigarettes, and suspected stolen property.
According to a statement released by the National Police Service on Sunday, August 17, 2025, the operation was carried out on Saturday, August 16, 2025, by officers from the Western Region, following a tip-off from members of the public.
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“Acting on intelligence provided by members of the public, our officers launched a targeted operation in Kakamega Town. As a result, five suspects were arrested for various offences,” the statement read.
During the operation, police recovered approximately 1,412 rolls of bhang, along with several brands of uncustomised cigarettes, including 16 packets of Oris, 25 packets of Milano, and one packet of Supermatch. Police also seized suspected stolen items, including three 6 kg gas cylinders and several assorted goods.
Police say all five persons of interest are currently in custody and will be arraigned in court on Monday, August 18, 2025.
The National Police Service praised the public for their cooperation and reiterated its ongoing efforts to clamp down on illegal drugs and related crimes.
“This operation highlights the importance of community policing. We remain committed to the ongoing fight against narcotics, illicit brews, and related criminal activities,” the statement added.
The arrests come amid a broader crackdown by law enforcement agencies targeting the distribution and sale of illicit substances and goods across the Western region.
As investigations continue, police have urged anyone with additional information to come forward.
Meanwhile, detectives attached to the Kenya Power and Lighting Company (KPLC) have arrested two persons of interest at the centre of a sophisticated electricity theft syndicate that has cost the country over Ksh90 million in revenue losses and infrastructure damage.
In a statement released on Sunday, August 17, 2025, by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the duo was arrested in Mpinda village, Igembe, following a targeted operation based on credible intelligence.
“A team of detectives attached to the Kenya Power and Lighting Company has apprehended Japhet Kirimi, aka Senator, a wanted suspect linked to electricity theft, illegal electricity supply to unauthorised third parties, and damage to KPLC infrastructure in the Igembe North and South areas,” the DCI stated.
DCI said the two masterminded an illegal underground power network, secretly tapping electricity from the official KPLC grid and distributing it to unauthorised users across several villages.
“This illegal setup, masterminded by Kirimi and his accomplice, powered over 21 unauthorised borehole pumps, providing water to numerous miraa farms not only in Mpinda village but also in the surrounding areas of Kabuitu, Kanyakine, Muthucine, and Mangala,” the DCI revealed.
