170 suspected goons arrested in Trans Nzoia

This comes as Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen announced that the National Police Service has revised its curriculum to address emerging threats, including crowd control and goons, accusing some politicians of recruiting youth into gangs to cause chaos.

Police say 170 suspects have been arrested in a major operation linked to the incident, with more than 200 mobile phones and weapons recovered.

“We have launched an operation to track down those disrupting security in Kitale. We have arrested 170 suspects, some already in court,” said Trans Nzoia County Commander Riko Ngare.

Police say some suspects are hardcore criminals, including escaped inmates, and warn the operation will continue until all goons are arrested.

“We have a list and we are making arrests. None will be left out,” said the police commander.

Meanwhile, Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, speaking in Embakasi during a visit to police recruits, said politicians are the biggest security threat, accusing them of recruiting youth into gangs to cause chaos.

“Politicians are now the biggest security threat. They use young people as goons and gangs, and this is increasing every year,” said Murkomen

The CS said the situation has forced the National Police Service to revise its curriculum and retrain officers on crowd control and dealing with goons to end a problem on the rise in the last three years.

“The National Police Service is retooling and reskilling officers to improve crowd control and security management,” Murkomen noted.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja urged officers, even with their new advanced skills, to respect the law and human rights in the course of their duty.

“Officers must respect the law and the rights of citizens,” said Kanja.