Kisumu police arrest suspected gang member Ninjaman in multi-agency operation

A multi-agency security operation in Kondele, Kisumu County, has led to the arrest of a suspected criminal gang member and the recovery of bhang, crude weapons, government stores and tactical equipment.

The operation targeted suspected members of criminal gangs and their associates operating in the area.

Officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Administration Police Service (APS) and General Service Unit (GSU) intercepted a white Toyota Axio, registration number KCZ 808K, during the intelligence-led operation.

Inside the vehicle, officers arrested 34-year-old Franklin Okungu, alias “Ninjaman”.

Police said Okungu is believed to be a member of a criminal gang and an associate of Oliver Jaoko, alias “Olivetti”.

After his arrest, Okungu led detectives to his residence in the Manyatta area, where officers conducted a search.

The search resulted in the recovery of several crude weapons, including pouches containing arrows, three machetes and a customised club fitted with a metal casing and screw-gear head.

Detectives also recovered two military-pattern jungle ground sheets, a red beret, a tactical shirt, tactical trousers, tactical shorts and a black military-style helmet.

Among the other items recovered were 16 Cannabis Sativa-infused cookies, commonly known as weed cookies, as well as bhang.

Officers also found a diary containing handwritten entries on tactics and techniques, training manuals and other warfare-related material.

Crime Scene Investigators from the Nyanza Region processed and documented the scene. An inventory of all the recovered exhibits was prepared and signed by the suspect.

Preliminary investigations indicate that Okungu served as an instructor within an outfit known as “American Marines”, which police said was associated with Jaoko. He is suspected of training members of the outfit in the use of swords, pangas and machetes, as well as karate and other combat techniques.

Investigators further established that the outfit consisted of bouncers and other youths who were mobilised and hired for different assignments.

The group later reportedly evolved into an outfit known as the “Summit Gang”.

Okungu is being processed for arraignment and is expected to face several charges, including robbery with violence, possession of public stores, possession of property suspected to have been stolen or unlawfully obtained, possession of narcotic drugs and participation in organised criminal activity.

The authorities have urged members of the public to continue sharing information that can help identify criminal gangs and disrupt their activities.