Police comb villages for Butere robbery suspects

Police have combed several villages in Kakamega County in a wide intelligence-led operation that led to the arrest of four suspects linked to a violent robbery incident in Butere.

The coordinated operation, was led by officers from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) and the Operation Action Team (OAT).

It stretched across multiple locations as detectives tracked suspects believed to have moved between villages to evade arrest.

The arrests stem from a robbery reported on 28 January 2026, when a local shop in Butere was allegedly broken into and goods and cash stolen before the suspects fled.

Investigators say the operation quickly expanded after the first arrests, triggering a chain of leads that guided officers across Mabungo, Shirota and Sabatia areas.

“The arrests were made following targeted intelligence and coordinated action across multiple locations,” police sources said.

Authorities say two suspects were first arrested in Mabungo village, before further leads led officers to Shirotsa, where a third suspect was picked up.

A fourth suspect was later arrested in Sabatia market, where he is suspected of handling stolen items.

Police say assorted mobile phones believed to be part of the stolen property were recovered during the operation and have been secured as exhibits.

All four suspects remain in custody as investigations continue ahead of arraignment.