By Dorothy Musyoka
Detectives in Samburu have arrested 20-year-old Christopher Ayok Lemarkele, a prime suspect in a series of violent robberies that have unsettled Maralal town and its environs.
According to police reports, Lemarkele and an accomplice who is still at large stormed a local shop in Maralal while posing as customers.
“Lemarkele, armed with an AK-47 rifle and accompanied by an accomplice who remains at large, brazenly stormed a local shop in Maralal,” stated the DCI.
“Posing as ordinary customers, the duo quickly turned the situation deadly when they drew firearms, aiming them directly at the cashier,” explained the detectives.
In attempt to defend herself, the cashier pushed the weapon aside.
However, Lemarkele discharged a round, with the bullet grazing her left breast and causing a painful soft tissue injury.
“In a moment of courage, the cashier managed to push the weapon away, but not before Lemarkele fired a shot, resulting in a bullet grazing her left breast and inflicting a painful soft tissue injury,” noted the detectives.
She was rushed to the Samburu County Referral Hospital where she was treated and later discharged in stable condition.
The assailants escaped with Sh50,000, leading to immediate manhunt. Acting on intelligence, detectives tracked Lemarkele to his hideout, where he was apprehended.
A search at the premises led to the recovery of several items linked to his criminal activities.
“Upon his arrest, detectives uncovered a trove of incriminating evidence, including a green jungle hat, a smoke jacket, a jungle green jacket, and a jungle belt, among other items,” stated the DCI.
Lemarkele is now in custody, undergoing police processing as detectives intensify efforts to pursue his accomplice, who remains at large.