NAIROBI, KENYA – Three detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) were seriously injured on Wednesday, November 12, 2025, after being ambushed by a large, hostile mob during an operation to arrest murder suspects in Kasipul Constituency, Homa Bay County. The incident, which occurred at approximately 8:00 PM EAT, underscores the significant risks faced by law enforcement officers and has heightened political tensions in the region ahead of a scheduled parliamentary by-election.

The injured officers, including the Rachuonyo South Sub-County DCI chief, Daniel Muhuhi, were part of a team acting on intelligence reports to apprehend individuals linked to the recent killing of two youths in the Opondo area. According to Homa Bay County Police Commander Lawrence Koilem, the detectives had tracked the suspects to Kosele Trading Centre. However, the suspects fled and sought refuge at the homestead of the late former Kasipul Member of Parliament, Ong'ondo Were, in Kachien Village.

Operational Turn of Events

Upon cornering and arresting five suspects within the compound, the DCI team was preparing to depart when they were suddenly besieged by a crowd of over 100 youths. The mob, armed with crude weapons, locked the main gate and violently confronted the officers in an attempt to free the arrested individuals. Despite the officers firing warning shots to disperse the crowd, they were overpowered.

"During the confrontation, three of our officers... sustained serious injuries," Commander Koilem confirmed in a statement released late Wednesday night. He added that one of the primary suspects managed to escape while still in handcuffs during the chaos. The injured detectives were promptly evacuated and transported to Rachuonyo South Sub-county Hospital, where they are reportedly receiving treatment and are in stable condition.

Context of Rising Insecurity and Political Tensions

This violent attack on state officers is not an isolated incident but reflects a broader trend of rising crime and insecurity in parts of Nairobi and other counties. According to the 2025 Economic Survey by the Kenya National Bureau of Statistics (KNBS), Nairobi City County recorded the highest number of crimes nationally in 2024, though the figure represented a slight decline from the previous year. The survey also noted a concerning 36.7% increase in offences involving police officers nationwide.

The Kasipul incident is particularly alarming as it is linked to politically motivated violence. The initial murders that triggered the DCI operation occurred on November 6, when assailants attacked a campaign event, resulting in two deaths and several injuries. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) condemned the violence, warning that any candidates or parties found culpable could face disqualification from the upcoming by-election, now set against a backdrop of intense security operations.

Implications for Law Enforcement

Security analysts and oversight bodies have long pointed to the challenges facing the National Police Service (NPS), including inadequate resources, insufficient training for complex operations, and low morale. Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) developed by the NPS, the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), and other agencies are designed to guide officers in high-risk situations, but their effectiveness is tested in volatile environments like the one encountered in Kasipul.

The DCI has affirmed its commitment to pursuing justice. Commander Koilem stated unequivocally, “We will not relent until all the suspects and those who obstructed justice are brought to book.” A major manhunt is now underway for the escaped suspects and those who participated in the mob attack. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers law enforcement personnel face and the complex interplay of crime, politics, and community hostility that can erupt with severe consequences.