One arrested in hunt for killer village gang

Police have extended search for a dreaded gang responsible for killings in Matungu, Kakamega County, to neighbouring sub-counties as one person is arrested.

Charles Wesonga Toto, 19, was nabbed in Butobi village in Mumias West sub-county, where he is suspected to have sought refuge after intensified police patrols in Matungu.

He was arrested on Thursday evening after residents raised the alarm over an unfamiliar person in their area.

Village elder Wycliffe Kotia notified the police who immediately made the arrest.

Toto later led the police to his house in Ejinja, Matungu, where crude weapons, including a panga and an axe were found. Bhang was also found in the house.

This brings the number of suspects arrested in connection to the killings to three.

Thirteen people have been murdered by the gang and tens left nursing injuries for the past one month.

Mumias West Police Commander Peter Kattam said Toto gave out three names of other suspects who police are pursuing.

Police have increased night patrols and have now banned vigils at funerals and restricted the operation of pubs and bars in the area.

This comes as religious leaders in the area called on police to enhance patrols to avert any more killings. They also urged politicians to desist from incitements.

Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) Mumias Diocese Bishop Joseph Wandera yesterday visited the family of Denis Wangatia, a student who was buried this week after succumbing to injuries inflicted by the gangtwo weeks ago.

He said all the assailants should be brought to book.

“The church will stand with these families and we condemn the heinous acts by a few individuals,” he said.