Police recover 29 pangas and an AK-47 rifle as war on gangs intensifies
By David Nthua, February 11, 2026The National Police Service (NPS) has announced the outsmarting of gang-related activities in Bungoma County following the recovery of crude weapons, including an AK-47 rifle, during an early morning patrol.
In a statement on X on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, the NPS confirmed that the weapons are believed to belong to an outlawed criminal group operating in the area.
According to the police, officers on patrol in Kimurio Village, Emia Location, Kopsiro Sub-County recovered one illegal AK-47 rifle and 29 machetes.
The weapons were secured as exhibits after being discovered during a routine security operation aimed at disrupting gang activity.
“The illegal firearm and the machetes, which are believed to be linked to an outlawed criminal group operating in the area, have been secured as evidence,” the NPS said.
Police added that investigations are ongoing to trace suspects linked to the weapons, apprehend members of the criminal group, and ensure they are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The service reiterated its commitment to enhancing security by seizing illegal firearms and dismantling criminal networks.
Members of the public were urged to continue cooperating with security agencies by sharing information through the toll-free numbers.
Wider crackdown on gangs
The recovery comes at a time when police leadership across the country has intensified operations against violent gangs.
Recently, Coast Regional Police Commander Ali Nuno, formerly the Thika OCPD, issued a stern warning to criminal groups operating in Mombasa, including the notorious Panga Boys, giving them an ultimatum to reform or face decisive action.
During his previous deployments in Thika and Kayole, Nuno gained a reputation for aggressively dismantling criminal gangs, moves that were credited with restoring order in some of the most affected neighbourhoods.
His recent remarks at the Coast signalled a continuation of that hard-line stance as police confront rising gang-related crime.
The NPS said the Bungoma recovery is part of a broader nationwide strategy to curb organised crime, warning that possession of illegal firearms and crude weapons will attract the full force of the law.