Police in Kitale have arrested 61 suspected members of criminal gangs accused of terrorising residents in Shanti and Premium estates, on the outskirts of the town.
The suspects are believed to belong to two rival gangs, one operating in each estate, whose violent fallout had left residents living in fear and affected when businesses could open and close.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Rico Ngare said the operation was launched over the weekend following reports of rising criminal activity in the two estates.
The operation was launched over the weekend. We have arrested 61 people on different offences, for joining criminal gangs, and others were found with narcotics," he said.
Police said some of those arrested are suspected gang leaders. The operation targeted individuals linked to attacks and other criminal activities reported in the area.
According to residents, the gangs began terrorising the community after a dispute at a local funeral, before the conflict escalated into a wider threat to residents and businesses
