20-year-old suspect arrested over series of armed robberies in Maralal

Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) officers in Samburu have arrested a 20-year-old suspect linked to a string of violent robberies in Maralal town.

The suspect, identified as Christopher Ayok Lemarkele, was nabbed following a tip-off.

DCI says Lemarkele was armed with an AK-47 rifle when he stormed a local shop with an accomplice. The duo was posing as customers only to draw the firearm at the cashier.

“In a moment of courage, the cashier managed to push the weapon away, but Lemarkele fired a shot, grazing her left breast and inflicting a painful soft tissue injury, the DCI stated. She was rushed to the Samburu County Referral Hospital, where she received treatment and was discharged in stable condition.”

The two managed to escape with Ksh. 50,000, prompting a manhunt that eventually led to Lemarkele’s capture.

During his arrest, detectives recovered several items, including a green jungle hat, smoke jacket, jungle green jacket, and jungle belt, believed to have been used in the robberies.

Lemarkele remains in custody pending arraignment as the detectives intensify a manhunt for his accomplice.