Editor's Review

The suspect worked as a fisherman before joining a criminal gang terrorizing locals in the western and Nyanza regions.

Police officers in Siaya have arrested Hastings Omondi Odipo, aka Martin aka Umar, a gang member who is linked to the death of a police officer in November. 

In a statement on Tuesday, December 19, the National Police Service (NPS) said the suspected gang member was arrested following a tip-off from members of the public.

The 25-year-old suspect is said to have fled after his gang attacked and stabbed a police officer to death and stole his rifle and that of a colleague as they escorted examination papers to Mahero Secondary School in Alego Usonga Sub-County in Siaya County on 20th November 2023.

According to the DCI, Omondi, who hails from Kadenge area worked as a fisherman at Nina Beach near Lake Victoria, before joining a criminal gang, which was terrorizing locals in the western and Nyanza regions.

He is being held at Lwala Kotieno Police Station where several charges will be preferred against him. 

Hastings Omondi Odipo aka Martin aka Umar PHOTO | COURTESY

“The National Police Service appreciates the swift action by members of the public that led to the arrest of the culprit,” the statement read in part.

Meanwhile, NPS urged the rest of the gang members to surrender to the nearest police stations and asked the public to share any information that will lead to the arrest of the suspect.

“National Police Service is urging the. At the same time members of the public can share any information on other wanted persons to the nearest Police station or through the toll-free number 0800722203,” NPS stated.

The police on December 1 published names and photos of Omondi and his associates including Edwin Omondi alias Rashid, Simon Ochieng Ouma alias Ali Baba, Salim Jackoyo, and Edward Wanyama Mukanga alias Abu Naiyah.