40 TEENS LINKED TO 'ROCK BOYS' GANG ARRESTED AS POLICE LAUNCH MAJOR CRACKDOWN IN HOMA BAY

By Emmanuel Kipkoech

Police in Homa Bay County have arrested 40 juveniles aged between 15 and 19 during a major security operation targeting suspected members of the notorious "Rock Boys" gang in the Shauri Yako informal settlement.

The three-day crackdown, led by officers from Homa Bay Police Station, followed a surge in robberies and violent attacks that have unsettled residents over the past six months. Among those arrested is a Grade Nine pupil.

Arujo Location Chief Bob Lang'o said the operation was prompted by a violent incident last Thursday in which a resident was seriously injured while trying to protect a woman from being robbed.

"The victim was badly injured while protecting another resident. We had to work with police to ensure those responsible were arrested," said Lang'o.

The injured man was initially treated at Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital before being transferred to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital for specialized care.

Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem said preliminary investigations indicate that some of the arrested teenagers are repeat offenders with pending criminal cases.

"These are young people aged between 15 and 19. Some already have pending criminal cases, including robbery with violence," Koilem said.

He added that the operation will continue until security is fully restored in Shauri Yako and criminal gangs are dismantled.

According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), youth involvement in crime is often driven by poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, and limited opportunities. Experts say that while law enforcement is essential, long-term solutions should also include education, mentorship, and rehabilitation programmes to steer young people away from crime.

The arrested juveniles remain in police custody and are expected to be arraigned in court as investigations continue.