A 37-year-old woman has been arrested in Garissa County in connection with a violent armed robbery, with police recovering a stolen Glock 17 pistol believed to have been taken from the victim during the attack.
The incident occurred on the night of 5 August, when a licensed firearm holder was ambushed while returning home from a mosque in Bulla Buris. According to police, three masked assailants – one armed with an AK-47 rifle, another with a pistol and the third carrying a rungu – set upon the victim. He was struck on the head, knocked unconscious and robbed of his pistol and cash.
Investigators launched an immediate probe, using forensic leads to track a suspect to Madogo. Police said the woman, identified as Mumeni Nguma, was cornered and later led officers to her residence in Bula Kartasi.
A search of the property yielded what authorities described as “a cache of incriminating items”, including the Glock 17 loaded with 17 rounds of ammunition, a pistol holster, a military smoke jacket, a service-colour belt, and 11 passports bearing different identities. The discovery has heightened suspicions of the suspect’s involvement in wider criminal activities.
Police believe Nguma is part of a “ruthless masked gang” responsible for a spate of robberies in the region. “This is a significant breakthrough,” an officer involved in the operation told reporters. “We are confident the remaining members will be apprehended soon.”
The suspect is in custody and is expected to be charged once investigations are complete. Detectives are continuing efforts to track down the two other suspects, who remain at large.
Residents of Garissa, who have been on edge following recent attacks, have welcomed the arrest, describing it as a step towards restoring safety in the area.
