By Augustine Ehikioya
Detectives from the Kenya’s Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested ten suspects concerning a lorry impounded for transporting 400 bags of un-customed sugar.
They were arrested when they tried to set free the lorry and their accomplices.
A statement by the DCI, obtained by Security Watch Africa (SWA) on Monday, said one of the suspects died during the encounter.
The arrested suspects were, Evans Ariko, 22, Geoffrey Ikasalion, 28, Dan Oure, 23, Thomas Ekisa, 24, Isaac Etyang, 21, Sammy Oloo, 22, David Otieno, 27, Simon Ogema, 24, Kelvin Kasala, 21 and Winnie Muriuki, 22.
The statement said “One suspect lost his life as ten others were arrested after they intercepted and tried to set free their accomplices and a lorry that had earlier been impounded by detectives, ferrying 400 bags of un-customed sugar.
“The lorry which had been detained at Chwele Police Station, was being escorted to Kisumu under tight security by DCI detectives and CIPU officers attached to Kenya Revenue Authority, when it came under attack from the suspects.
“Over 20 vehicles and an unknown number of motor cycles whose number plates were concealed were used to barricade the road at Makunga Shopping Centre, with the gang attempting to seize the consignment and free the suspects.
“In the ensuing melee, one of our Officers was attacked and injured seriously by the gang, leaving him with injuries on his chest and limbs.
“Luckily, a contingent of Police Officers from Kakamega that was headed to Chwele reinforced the Officers, restoring sanity and helping in the arrest of the suspects,” it added.
The statement said three vehicles used by the suspects and a motorcycle were impounded and are “currently at Kakamega Police Station.”
“Also recovered were crude weapons including rungus and rocks that were in the possession of the suspects. They are currently being processed at Kakamega Police Station for arraignment.”