A suspect linked to a robbery with violence and rape case has been apprehended following a dramatic operation in the Kiamanyeki area of Mwea East.
In a statement on Sunday, January 12, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the arrest that detectives from Kirinyaga Central carried out was marked by a tense confrontation with a rowdy mob that attempted to prevent the suspect from being taken into custody.
According to DCI, the suspect, identified as Jackline Gatwiri, was traced to the village during a targeted operation.
"The officers had been deployed by the Sub-County Criminal Investigations Officer to pursue the runaway suspect named in an ongoing Criminal Case No. 278/33/2024 and Court File No. E381, who traced the suspect, Jackline Gatwiri to the village and moved in swiftly to effect the arrest.
"A rowdy mob, however, pooled forces and attacked the officers who were onboard a government vehicle registration no. KBZ 684Y, threatening to set it ablaze should they not release the suspect," DCI said in the statement.
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With the situation escalating, local police, together with the area chief and Nyumba Kumi leaders intervened managing to de-escalate the confrontation.
The DCI issued a stern warning to the public regarding interference with law enforcement activities.
"The DCI cautions members of the public that obstructing police officers in the course of executing their constitutional mandate is a serious criminal offence, and much worse is any attempt to aid the escape of a criminal offender or prisoner.
"Equally, posing imminent threat to life or property of any person is not justifiable under any legal parameters, and will be met with the full force of the law," DCI added.
