9 arrested over attacks on Maseno University students

The Forensic Crime Scene laboratory at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations and the DNA Section of the Government Chemist have the capability to conduct forensic investigations on specimen obtained from the victim.. PHOTO | COURTESY

What you need to know:

  • Police say they found suspects in possession of weapons, drugs and stolen items.
  • Some of the suspects fled police dragnet.
  • Students at the university have been protesting about insecurity for many years with little results.

Detectives have arrested nine suspects accused of criminal acts against Maseno University students.

The nine are alleged to be members of a gang that has frequently been robbing with violence and gang raping students off campus in Kisumu County.

“Stolen chairs, bhang, pangas and claw bars (were) confiscated. Other suspects escaped but are being pursued by detectives,” the Directorate of Criminal Investigations said in a statement.

Students at the university have been protesting about insecurity for many years with little results.

Crimes against students in other public universities have become commonplace, with several injured or killed in attacks off campus where they usually live in private hostels.

The suspects, who the DCI said were arrested on Sunday after a tip-off are: Mr Patrick Okanda, Mr Peter Amango Sande, Mr Geoffrey Okiya Mutunga, Mr Obed Panyako, Mr Peter Obed, Mr David Ndegu, Mr Samuel Kuya, Mr Stephen Oloo and Mr Nahashon Arena.

The suspects are awaiting arraignment.