Detectives in Samburu County have arrested 20-year-old Christopher Ayok Lemarkele, a key suspect in a series of violent robberies in and around Maralal town, following a targeted intelligence-led operation.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Lemarkele and an accomplice, who remains at large, recently staged a brazen armed robbery at a local shop in Maralal while posing as customers.
"Armed with an AK-47 rifle, Lemarkele and his accomplice stormed the shop, drew their weapons, and pointed them directly at the cashier," the DCI stated
The cashier tried to deflect the weapon, but Lemarkele fired a shot, grazing her left breast and causing a painful soft tissue injury.
“The cashier was rushed to Samburu County Referral Hospital, where she was treated and later discharged in stable condition,” the DCI added.
The assailants fled with Sh50,000, prompting an intensive manhunt. Detectives, acting on intelligence, were able to smoke out Lemarkele from his hideout, leading to his arrest.
Upon apprehension, officers recovered items believed to have been used in the crime, including a green jungle hat, a smoke jacket, a jungle green jacket, and jungle belt.
"Lemarkele is currently in custody, undergoing processing, and will be arraigned in court," the DCI confirmed.
The agency assured that detectives are pursuing his accomplices.
Authorities are urging anyone with information on the second suspect’s whereabouts to report to the nearest police station, as efforts to bring all those involved to justice intensify.
