Former police officer Joseph Kariuki Ruoro, who previously served in the General Service Unit, has been apprehended by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in connection with nine incidents of Robbery with Violence.
The arrest took place on Tuesday in Gilgil, marking a significant breakthrough in the ongoing efforts to combat organized crime in Kenya.
Ruoro's alleged involvement in criminal activities came to prominence following the notorious Equity Bank Matuu robbery in July 2021.
Alongside a gang of five, Ruoro was accused of robbing the bank and escaping with two AK47 rifles, which had been seized from officers guarding the premises.
Since then, a series of covert operations have been carried out with the aim of dismantling the gang and its affiliated groups.
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These operations have yielded some success, resulting in the recovery of one of the stolen rifles and the arrest of several individuals associated with the criminal network.
Continuing their relentless pursuit of gangsters and illicit firearms, the DCI successfully recovered the second AK47 rifle in the Takaungu area of Kilifi County on Tuesday.
The operation extended to Gilgil, where Ruoro was eventually cornered and taken into custody.
Preliminary investigations have established Ruoro's alleged involvement in nine separate robbery incidents across multiple counties.
These incidents were reported in Mombasa, Kwale, Kilifi, and Machakos.
The DCI is actively processing the suspect for arraignment, while detectives continue their diligent efforts to apprehend additional accomplices involved in these crimes.
With each apprehension and the recovery of stolen weapons, the authorities move closer to eliminating organized crime and ensuring the safety and security of the nation.
The DCI urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities, as their cooperation is crucial in the ongoing fight against crime.
As investigations progress, the DCI remains dedicated to unearthing the full extent of the criminal network and bringing all those involved to justice.
In their relentless pursuit of a safer society, the DCI sends a clear message to all potential wrongdoers: no one is above the law, and those who betray the trust of their oath will face the full force of justice.