A major police operation in Homa Bay has led to the arrest of 40 teenagers suspected of belonging to the notorious Rock Boys gang, a group that authorities say has been behind a wave of crime in Shauri Yako slum over the past six months.
The suspects, aged between 15 and 19 years, were picked up during a three-day crackdown conducted by officers from Homa Bay Police Station.
Among those arrested is a Grade Nine pupil. Police believe the operation has dealt a significant blow to a gang that has been linked to robbery, assaults, and other criminal activities that have left residents living in fear.
The operation followed a violent incident on Thursday in which a resident was seriously injured after attempting to stop a group of suspected gang members from robbing a woman in the Shauri Yako area. According to Arujo Location Chief Bob Lang’o, the attackers turned on the man and assaulted him, leaving him with critical injuries.
The victim was first rushed to Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital before being transferred to Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital for specialised treatment due to the seriousness of his condition.
The attack angered residents, who immediately began searching for those believed to have carried out the assault. However, police officers stepped in and took over the operation to prevent the situation from getting out of hand while pursuing the suspects through lawful means.
Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem confirmed that the 40 suspects were arrested from various hideouts beginning on Thursday when the security operation was launched.
Investigators have established that several of those arrested are already known to law enforcement and that some have active criminal cases currently before the courts.
Koilem said all the suspects are expected to be arraigned in court on Monday to face appropriate charges. He also warned that the crackdown will not end with the latest arrests, saying security officers will continue conducting operations aimed at removing criminal gangs from Shauri Yako and other affected areas.
The latest operation highlights growing efforts by security agencies to address rising insecurity in Homa Bay Town.
Authorities have urged residents to continue working closely with police by reporting criminal activities, saying community cooperation remains an important part of efforts to restore peace and improve safety in the area.
