Two suspects arrested along the Kisumu-Busia Highway in possession of an illegal firearm have been arraigned in court, even as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) moved to dismiss claims of police inaction in the matter.

In a statement posted on its official X account on Tuesday, April 28, the DCI said Evans Otieno Ongere and Abel Onyango Owuor, who were arrested during an intelligence-led operation, were presented before the Principal Magistrate’s Court in Vihiga, where detectives obtained a 14-day custodial order to allow for further investigations.

“Two suspects, Evans Otieno Ongere and Abel Onyango Owuor, arrested in possession of a Phantom pistol along the Kisumu-Busia Highway, were presented before the Principal Magistrate’s Court in Vihiga, where detectives secured a 14-day custodial order,” DCI said.

According to investigators, the firearm recovered during the operation has since been submitted to the National Forensic Laboratory for ballistic examination as detectives seek to establish whether it may have been used in previous criminal activities.

“The recovered firearm is now at the National Forensic Lab for ballistic analysis,” the agency added.

The arraignment follows an earlier operation on April 26, when detectives from DCI headquarters, acting on intelligence, mounted what they described as a “strategic ambush” along the busy Kisumu-Busia Highway.

The officers intercepted a black Toyota Prado, registration number KCB 411A, occupied by the two suspects.

A search of the vehicle led to the recovery of a Phantom pistol, a machete concealed in a black sheath, and three mobile phones, all of which were seized as exhibits.

In a related development, another suspect, Christopher Okello, who was rescued from mob justice after allegedly being found with a bow and arrow, was also arraigned in court.

“Christopher Okello was also arraigned and pleaded not guilty. He was admitted to a bond of Sh100,000. The case is scheduled for mention on May 14, 2026,” DCI stated.

The agency maintained that investigations remain active and cautioned against spreading unverified claims online.

“Any insinuation of inaction or collusion is misleading and unsupported by facts,” DCI said, urging the public to verify information before sharing it.