Former football player detained for killing a Kisumu woman

Two suspects implicated in the violent robbery and homicide of a 23-year-old businesswoman in Kondele back in January 2024 have been apprehended, marking a significant breakthrough in the case.

Their arrest comes after an extensive investigation led by the Kondele police, resulting in the recovery of crucial evidence, including an AK47 rifle used in the fatal shooting, along with 36 rounds of live ammunition.

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The victim, identified as Grace Awino Adero, was operating an Mpesa shop in the Kondele area when she and her husband were attacked by two armed assailants on January 27. Tragically, she lost her life during the incident, while her husband narrowly escaped.

The perpetrators, believed to be part of a larger criminal network, fled the crime scene on a motorcycle and regrouped with their associates at a hideout in Kasagam, Kisumu county.

Hours later, vigilant police patrolling the Kasagam area encountered and confronted five individuals inside a suspicious sedan parked in a secluded spot. The occupants fled, leaving behind the vehicle, which upon inspection, revealed an AK47 rifle (missing its magazine), a homemade pistol, and four mobile phones.

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Further investigation revealed that the vehicle had been rented, and forensic analysis confirmed that the rifle was either stolen or obtained from Uganda.

Months later, on April 18, one of the suspects, a 26-year-old former footballer for the Kisumu Allstars Club, was arrested in Obunga, Kasarani, Kisumu Central, by the Kondele-based police.

Following their arraignment at the Winam Senior Principal Magistrate’s Court, detectives were granted a 14-day extension to conclude their investigation.

Through extensive interrogation, investigators identified the alleged mastermind behind the criminal syndicate, known as alias Osama. In a synchronized operation, Kisumu police raided Osama’s residence in Kasagam, near Rai Primary School, where they apprehended his 17-year-old brother, also suspected of involvement in the gang.

During the raid, authorities seized an AK47 magazine loaded with ammunition, pistol rounds, various identification cards, including a Kenya Armed Forces Comrades Association card, a mobile phone, and a green camouflage bag.

The investigation remains ongoing, with law enforcement agencies actively pursuing the prime suspect and other members of the gang whose identities have been uncovered.