Kisumu residents were thrown into panic after a 21-year-old man opened fire on police officers in the city's central business district, along Otieno Oyoo Street.
The Monday, October 27, mid-morning incident, caused pedestrians to scatter as gunfire echoed through the busy street.
Traders shut their stalls and remained behind closed doors, as the movie-like drama unfolded.
The confrontation started when officers on patrol spotted three suspicious young men carrying a bulky bag near the Patel Samaj Temple.
After officers approached, one of the men reportedly pulled out an assault rifle and began shooting at them.
The situation quickly escalated as the suspect dashed into the temple compound, where he allegedly held a security guard at gunpoint, robbed him of his mobile phone and other valuables, and tied him up with a piece of cloth. Witnesses said he then climbed onto the rooftop, positioning himself near a water tank and firing sporadically at the officers below. Police swiftly cordoned off the area as worshippers and nearby residents scrambled for safety.
Kisumu Central Deputy Sub-County Police Commandant Bakari Mwanauli narrated how the drama unfolded.
"Our officers on patrol spotted three men. One of them had a a plastic bag. Upon spotting the officers, the man with the bag drew an assault riffe and started to shoot at the officers," Mwanauli explained.
"While inside, he robbed one of the guards of his mobile phone and other belongings, tied him using a piece of cloth, and he continued engaging officers. We responded with our special teams,. and we managed to smoke him out of the room. He climbed to the rooftop where he hid himself in a water drum,"
A special response team joined the officers already on patrol, surrounding the building before managing to subdue the suspect after a tense standoff.
Upon catching up with him, police conducted a thorough search of the area which led to the recovery of an AK-47 assault rifle and 5 rounds of ammunition. Police believe the firearm has been used in several robberies within the city.
The suspect, identified as Kevin Oduor alias Kevo, was arrested and is now being held at the Kisumu Central Police Station awaiting interrogation and arraignment in court. Efforts are underway to trace his two accomplices who fled the scene.
The Security agencies have re-assured the public the situation has been controlled.
Kisumu Central Deputy Sub-County Police Commandant Bakari has urged civilians to stay vigilant, cooperate with officers and report any suspicious activities or individuals to the authorities.
