Residents in Uasin Gishu County have been assured of improved security after the police arrested three suspected members of an infamous criminal gang and recovered an assault rifle after a well-coordinated police operation.
Uasin Gishu County Police Commander, Benjamin Mwanthi confirmed that the suspects, Titus Wainaina Njoroge, Jeremiah Njuguna Kinyanjui alias Chikudee and Patrick Kinuthia Mwangi were apprehended in a joint operation with detectives from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB), from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Headquarters Operations Unit, and local police units in the county.
An AK-47 rifle with ten rounds of ammunition was recovered during the operation. The weapon was stashed away in a bush inside the compound of one of the suspects, Titus Wainaina Njoroge after detectives conducted a search based on intelligence.
An AK-47 rifle with ten rounds of ammunition. Photo/Courtesy
Gang Linked to Violent Crimes
Preliminary investigations by Commander Mwanthi reveal that the three suspects form part of a merciless criminal gang that had been inducing fear among the locals via a series of armed robberies and other violent crimes around Uasin Gishu County. Police believe that the gang has existed for some time, targeting individuals and families.
One of the incidents said to be related to the suspects occurred on November 22, 2025, when armed criminals are reported to have held a family hostage, stole their motor vehicle and forced them to transfer money from their mobile wallets to accounts under the control of the attackers. According to Commander Mwanthi, the incident was particularly traumatizing as it demonstrated the level of violence and coercion used by the gang.
Further investigations have also linked the suspects to a violent robbery in which Richard Rotich, a pharmacist at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, was killed. This incident, which took place on January 7, 2026, sent shockwaves through the community and reignited calls for action against criminal gangs operating within the area. Police claim that the gang often uses fraudulently acquired identification documents in preventing detection and arrest.
Glimpse into Criminal History and Further Investigations
According to police records, Titus Wainaina Njoroge, alias Bikos, is a habitual offender with a long criminal history. Commander Mwanthi disclosed that the suspect has, in the past, been linked to various cases of attempted robbery that were reported at Eldoret Police Station in 2011; robbery with violence at Langas Police Station in 2017; among others regarding escape from lawful custody at Eldoret Police Station in 2012 and at Eldoret Law Courts in 2014.
The three suspects are presently undergoing processing for arraignment as the investigations continue. Commander Mwanthi stated that additional operations for tracing all other gang members still at large have been heightened, and more arrests are anticipated.
He also urged members of the public to be vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement agencies in sharing information that could help combat and prevent crime. The police commander said that community support is crucial in maintaining security and disbanding criminal networks.
