Two men suspected of being members of a criminal gang have been arrested in Kisumu following a multi-agency security operation that also led to the recovery of a homemade firearm, crude weapons, cannabis and items resembling police and military equipment.

The operation was conducted by detectives drawn from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Operations Support Unit (OSU), the Anti-Terrorism Police Unit (ATPU) and the General Service Unit (GSU) Tactical Team.

According to the DCI, the operation followed credible intelligence linking the suspects to alleged criminal activities in the region.

The security team moved swiftly after receiving the intelligence, resulting in the arrest of Joseph Mwata Magak, alias “Boyi Sampa,” and Isaac Omondi Ojwang’.

Detectives subsequently searched Magak’s rented house in Mamboleo Pocho Estate, Kisumu, where they reportedly discovered a collection of items hidden in the master bedroom.

Among the items recovered was a homemade firearm, which investigators are expected to subject to further examination as part of ongoing investigations.

Police also recovered a bow and four arrows, a panga and a toy gun, alongside other items believed to be of interest to investigators.

The search further led to the recovery of five rolls of cannabis sativa, a police siren, a pair of police boots and six pairs of jungle-green tactical trousers.

Detectives also found a camouflage jacket and a pair of tactical boots, items that investigators are expected to establish how and why they were in the suspect’s possession.

Other items recovered included a bottle of gun oil, a Kenyan flag and a Subaru front bumper.

The discovery of equipment resembling police and tactical gear has added another dimension to the investigation, with detectives expected to establish whether the items were intended for use in criminal activities or were connected to other offences.

The DCI said the recovery followed intelligence-led policing efforts aimed at disrupting criminal networks and preventing suspected gangs from carrying out further offences.

Investigators are also looking into the backgrounds and activities of the two suspects as they seek to establish whether they are connected to other criminal incidents reported in Kisumu and neighbouring areas.

Further investigations have established that Magak is already facing an attempted robbery with violence case before the Nakuru Law Courts.

The development has heightened scrutiny of the suspect as detectives work to establish the extent of his alleged involvement in criminal activities and whether the items recovered from his residence could be linked to ongoing or previous cases.

The two suspects remain in police custody as investigators complete the necessary processing ahead of their expected arraignment in court.

The recovered items have been secured as exhibits and are expected to form part of the evidence as investigations continue.

The multi-agency operation comes amid continued efforts by security agencies to disrupt organised criminal groups through intelligence-led operations and coordinated action.

The DCI has also praised members of the public for providing information that enables security agencies to identify and apprehend individuals suspected of involvement in criminal activities.

The agency said timely and actionable intelligence from the public remains an important tool in the fight against organised crime and in protecting communities.

The investigation remains ongoing, and detectives are expected to pursue additional leads arising from the recovered items and information obtained from the suspects.

Police have urged members of the public to continue sharing information on suspected criminal activities through the appropriate security channels, saying cooperation between communities and law enforcement agencies is critical in maintaining security.

The arrests and recovery of the suspected weapons and other items are expected to provide investigators with new leads as authorities work to establish whether the suspects were operating alone or as part of a wider criminal network in Kisumu.