Over 20 people suspected to be members of a criminal gang dubbed Ganja were on Tuesday arrested in Lari and guns recovered after police raided their homes.
The raid led by Lari OCS Mr Peter Ouko was conducted at around 6 am. Speaking after the arrest of 22 suspects, the OCS said that an informer on Monday night reported of knowing where members of Ganja gang that has been terrorising residents lived.
The OCS said that they raided a plot where some of them were reported to live. He said the suspects lived in five rental houses in the same plot. Ouko said they broke into each house and they were able to arrest 22 young people. The oldest, he said, was 23 years and the youngest 16. He revealed that nine were teenage girls. Ouko also revealed that 16 pangas and five pistols were recovered which police suspect the gang uses to terrorise residents.
He said that despite the arrest, the search was not over as police suspect the gang comprises of over 80 young people in Lari. However he urged residents to help police with any information they suspect will lead to the arrest of the gang members.
He said that the 22 who were arrested today will help in investigations. "I urge all landlords and landladies to ensure they vet their tenants before allowing them to live in their houses. It is with serious concerns that such people can be living in rental places yet the owner doesn't even know them," said the OCS.
He also mentioned that the gang was not only terrorising residents but also recruiting young fellows into criminal activities. He urged parents to be vigilant and maintain a close eye on their children not to head in such a direction.