Former Kisumu All-Stars Player Arrested Following AK47 Linked to Violent Robbery and Murder in Kondele, Kisumu County
Former Kisumu All-Stars footballer Byron Billy Owuor has been apprehended in connection with a violent robbery resulting in the tragic death of a businesswoman in the Kondele area of Kisumu County.
The 26-year-old midfielder, along with another suspect, was taken into custody for their alleged involvement in a crime that has deeply shaken the local community. Law enforcement authorities have confirmed the seizure of an AK47 firearm and 36 rounds of live ammunition, which have been linked to the incident on January 27th.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the weapon was used to fatally shoot Grace Awino Adero, who ran an M-Pesa shop with her husband. The assailants assaulted the couple, fleeing with the day’s earnings and leaving Mrs. Adero dead, while her husband narrowly escaped.
“The ruthless perpetrators, believed to be part of a larger criminal network, fled the scene on an unmarked motorcycle, seeking refuge in Kasagam,” stated the DCI.
Subsequently, a suspicious sedan was spotted by Kasagam police during a routine patrol. Upon searching the vehicle, law enforcement officers found a homemade pistol, four mobile phones, and an AK47 rifle without its magazine.
“The investigation revealed that the rifle had been illegally obtained from Uganda,” noted the DCI.
The case took a significant turn when investigators identified Robert Wakolo Okoth, also known as Michael Osama, as the alleged mastermind behind the criminal syndicate’s activities. Acting on this lead, a coordinated sting operation was carried out at Osama’s residence near Rai Primary School in Kasagam. During the operation, Osama’s 17-year-old brother, suspected to be a member of the gang, was apprehended.
“Items recovered from the residence include an AK47 magazine loaded with ammunition, six rounds of .38 special ammunition commonly used in pistols, and five ID cards from different individuals,” detailed the DCI statement.
Additionally, a green camouflage bag and a Kenya Armed Forces Comrades Association card were discovered, indicating the serious nature of the gang’s operations.
Following the arraignment at the Winam Senior Principal Magistrate’s Court, detectives have been granted an additional 14 days to conclude their investigation. Efforts are now focused on apprehending the remaining gang members, whose identities have been uncovered but who are still at large.
