A Kisumu-based gang attempted to intercept a police motorcade and blocking the road using over 20 vehicles and an unknown number of motorcycles in a bid to free their accomplices.
According to a statement from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Monday, September 20, police officers had impounded a lorry that ferried 400 bags of uncustomed sugar.
Further, a number of suspects were caught during the operation.
The lorry was being escorted to Kisumu from Chwele Police Station, under tight security by DCI detectives and officers attached to the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) when the convoy came under attack from the gang.
"Over 20 vehicles and an unknown number of motorcycles whose number plates were concealed were used to barricade the road at Makunga Shopping Centre, with the gang attempting to seize the consignment and free the suspects," read part of the statement from DCI.
As a result of the melee, one of the officers sustained numerous injuries on his chest and limbs.
However, police officers received reinforcement from their counterparts from Kakamega who were headed to Chwele police station.
This led to ten suspects being arrested and sanity restored on the road.
"Three vehicles used by the suspects and a motorcycle were impounded as others fled and are currently at Kakamega police station," the DCI stated.
Crude weapons that were in the possession of the gang were recovered and to be used as evidence.
The suspects were detained at Kakamega police station as they await arraignment.
