Four suspected thugs shot dead in foiled Kisii robbery

In a chilling case of violent robbery, three suspects have been arrested in connection with the death of a 22-year-old night guard at Engako Bar in Kisii County. According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the trio ambushed the guard during the evening of November 26 2024, fatally assaulting him with crude weapons before looting the bar of alcohol worth about KSh 26,000. K24 Digital+2Citizen Digital+2
Investigators say the suspects had actually been drinking at the bar earlier that night, based on patron accounts. K24 Digital+1 During an identification parade, regular customers positively identified the three individuals as having been present that evening. Citizen Digital+1 One of them, Festus Odhiambo (also known as Arum), aged 31, was arrested in Migori County; police recovered blood-stained clothes from him. Citizen Digital The other two — Thomas Momanyi Omenta (31) and Grace Kerubo Oseko (26) — were apprehended in Kisii township, and a phone stolen from the scene was recovered from one of them. Citizen Digital+1 They are being held at Nyamarambe Police Station to assist with further investigations. K24 Digital
The arrest has drawn strong reactions from the local community, which has been shaken by the brutality of the crime and the seeming brazenness of the suspects. Officials say the attack was premeditated, with suspects allegedly entering the bar under the guise of customers. Kahawatungu The DCI has expressed commitment to ensuring that the perpetrators face justice, highlighting the importance of quick police turnaround and community cooperation. TV47 Digital
Looking ahead, the case is likely to test Kenya’s criminal justice system in Kisii. As the suspects await formal charges, many residents are calling for tighter security in and around nightlife spots, especially in trading centers. There is also growing pressure for authorities to address night-time crime, particularly violent robberies, and to improve measures that protect vulnerable workers such as security guards.