Three Suspects Arrested in Uasin Gishu Following Brutal Murder of Pharmacist; County Security Intensifies Crackdown on Crime and Illicit Substances

Uasin Gishu County security officials have intensified operations following the brutal murder of pharmacist Richard Nyongus Samarei at his Marura home. County Commissioner Dr Eddison Nyale confirmed that three suspects linked to the killing have been arrested and are currently in custody as investigations continue.

Speaking during a press briefing, Dr Nyale said the murder was carried out by a gang of four individuals using motorcycles, a tactic increasingly associated with organized criminal activity in the region. “We managed to provide timely information to the public through the boda boda fraternity, which helped alert riders to remain vigilant, particularly when they see three to four people on a single motorcycle,” he said.

Dr Nyale emphasized that following these alerts, security agencies intensified their crackdown on criminal gangs operating in the county, resulting in the arrest of three suspects. “Out of our urgent and intensive approach, we managed to arrest the firearm used in this crime. This weapon had previously been in circulation and linked to heinous crimes across multiple counties,” he said.

The County Commissioner also confirmed that the suspects are serial offenders. “These are not first-time criminals. They have been involved in organized crime for years, and we are ensuring they are held accountable for their actions,” he added.

Dr Nyale highlighted additional security measures in the county, including a crackdown on second-generation illicit alcohol, which he said poses a significant threat to public safety. With universities recently reopening, the commissioner warned that stockists who display alcohol differently from what is sold will face immediate license revocation. “We are committed to ensuring that young people are not exposed to illegal substances, especially as they return to educational institutions,” he said.

He further addressed the issue of highway blockages, describing them as acts of economic sabotage. Residents are being urged to lodge land and administrative complaints through proper channels rather than obstructing major roads. “Administrative officers have been deployed in areas such as Kondoo and Ngeria to handle complaints locally. Those who block highways will be arrested and taken to court,” Dr Nyale stated.

County Police Commander Benjamin Mwanthi also briefed the media, confirming the identities of the arrested suspects. “The three individuals are aged between 40 and 43 years, and hail from Nakuru, Kesses, and Mois Bridge,” he said. He noted that one of the suspects is a repeat offender who had previously served a 15-year sentence but was released after seven years due to court procedures. “Upon release, he quickly reorganized and resumed criminal activities in the area,” Mwanthi said.

Commander Mwanthi assured residents that police officers have no jurisdictional limitations when responding to distress calls anywhere within the Republic of Kenya. He stressed that officers respond to security threats in real-time, regardless of administrative boundaries.

The police commander also provided updates on the ongoing forensic investigation. The recovered firearm and bullets are undergoing ballistic and forensic examinations, which will help link the weapon to other crimes in the county. Mwanthi confirmed that additional suspects are being pursued and urged them to surrender to the nearest police station to avoid further legal consequences.

Beyond the murder case, Dr Nyale and Commander Mwanthi reported significant progress in curbing the circulation of illicit substances, particularly bhang, within the county. Over the past week, security agencies destroyed large quantities of illegal drugs and arrested several individuals connected to drug trafficking. “These efforts are aimed at protecting our children, ensuring that learning institutions remain safe, and preventing the spread of illegal drugs,” Mwanthi said.

The County Commissioner and the police commander called on residents to collaborate with security agencies, urging the community to provide information on criminal activities. “We are working together as a team with the county government to ensure that Uasin Gishu remains safe and secure for all,” Dr Nyale said.

The arrests and heightened security measures reflect a broader strategy by Uasin Gishu County to tackle organized crime, illegal alcohol distribution, highway blockages, and other threats to public safety. Officials have vowed to maintain rigorous enforcement while ensuring that legal procedures are followed to bring all perpetrators to justice.

Residents have been encouraged to remain vigilant and cooperate with law enforcement, particularly by reporting suspicious activities. Security officials reiterated that protecting lives, property, and educational institutions remains a top priority, and any attempts to undermine peace and safety will be met with decisive action.