Police in the lakeside city of Kisumu have announced the arrest of two men believed to be the crime lords of a gang that has for months terrorised traders and residents in and around Kibuye Market.

In a well-coordinated operation on Saturday late-night, officers from Kondele Police Station apprehended 34-year-old Collins Idambo Mbalanya, a male adult, following a tipoff from members of the public.

According to a police report obtained at Kondele Police Station, Mbalanya has been under investigation for a string of offences and is expected to face multiple charges, including assault, creating disturbance, issuing death threats in accordance to Section 223 of the penal code as well as malicious damage to property under Section 339(1).

The alleged crimes were committed on diverse dates in 2025 where the market has witnessed a string of unrest following a tussle between the county government and traders.

A second suspect, 28-year-old Ronaldo Kevin alias Basenga was also arrested during the operation. He was found in possession of a Somali sword and was unable to provide a satisfactory explanation for his presence at the market.

He is set to be charged with preparation to commit a felony under Section 308(1) of the penal code.

Police believe the gang has hampered Kisumu County Government’s efforts to manage public amenities at the market, particularly public toilets, adversely affecting maintenance and revenue collection.

The recovered weapon is in the custody of officers at Kondele Police Station’s exhibit store and will be presented in court as evidence. Due to security reasons, both suspects have been put in custody at the Railway Police Station in Kisumu.

The suspects will appear before the Winam Senior Principal Magistrate’s Court on Monday, May 26, 2025, at 8:00 a.m.

• A Tell Media / KNA report / By Chris Mahandara

Collins Idambo Mbalanya (left) and Ronaldo Kevin, alias Basenga who were nabbed by police in Kisumu