Police Officer Mark Owino, better known by his street moniker “Owis,” now finds himself on the wrong side of the law he once swore to uphold.
The veteran officer was arrested Saturday at Holo Police Station in what investigators describe as a brazen display of criminal audacity, allegedly relaxing and enjoying proceeds from a string of violent robberies that have terrorized residents for months.
Owino’s downfall began with a robbery in Ajigo, Siaya County, that captured public attention after images and videos from the incident spread rapidly across social media platforms.
The footage, which showed armed assailants terrorizing victims in broad daylight, inadvertently captured clear images of one of the perpetrators.
Within hours, eagle-eyed members of the public began circulating the images, and the identification came swiftly, the man in the footage was none other than Officer Owino, a serving police officer known in local circles as “Owis.”
“The public response was overwhelming,” said a police source who requested anonymity.
“People recognized him almost immediately. Some had encountered him in his official capacity; others knew him from the neighborhood. The digital footprint was undeniable.”
According to preliminary investigations, the Ajigo incident was not isolated. Detectives have now linked Owino to a series of violent robberies spanning several months across Siaya County and neighboring regions.
The crimes followed a disturbing pattern: well-coordinated strikes on businesses and homes, executed with insider knowledge of police patrol schedules and response times.
“This wasn’t amateur hour,” explained a senior detective involved in the investigation.
“These were sophisticated operations that showed intimate knowledge of law enforcement procedures. Now we understand why.”
Victims of previous robberies have begun coming forward, with several reporting that they suspected police involvement due to the precision and timing of the attacks, though few dared voice these suspicions publicly at the time.
The arrest itself reads like a scene from a crime thriller. Acting on intelligence gathered from the viral social media posts and subsequent tip-offs from the public, a special unit tracked Owino to Holo Police Station, where he was stationed.
Officers found him allegedly in possession of items believed to be proceeds from recent criminal activities, seemingly unconcerned about the growing public outcry and ongoing investigation into the Ajigo robbery.
“He appeared confident that his position would shield him,” said one investigator. “That confidence proved to be his undoing.”
The arrest has sent has shock both law enforcement circles and the communities Owino was meant to protect.
Local resident Jane Achieng, who lives near the Ajigo incident site, expressed a mixture of relief and betrayal.
“We trust the police to protect us. To learn that one of them was actually terrorizing us, it’s heartbreaking. But I’m glad social media helped bring him down.”
Community leaders have called the case emblematic of deeper issues within police accountability.
“How many other officers like ‘Owis’ are out there?” asked civil society activist Tom Odhiambo. “This arrest must be the beginning, not the end, of cleaning up our police service.”
As Owino remains in custody awaiting arraignment, investigators are working around the clock to identify and apprehend his accomplices.
Police believe the robberies were carried out by a well-organized gang, with Owino allegedly playing a key role in planning and execution.
“We are following several leads,” confirmed the Regional Police Commander.
“Officer Owino’s arrest has opened up new lines of inquiry, and we are confident that more arrests will follow shortly.”
Detectives are reviewing security footage from multiple crime scenes, cross-referencing mobile phone records, and interviewing witnesses who may have previously been too afraid to come forward.
Owino is expected to face multiple charges, including robbery with violence, abuse of office, and possession of stolen property.
If convicted on the most serious charges, he could face life imprisonment under Kenyan law.
The Director of Public Prosecutions has indicated that the case will be fast-tracked given its serious nature and public interest.
A special prosecutorial team has been assembled to ensure thorough preparation.
“No one is above the law,” the DPP’s office stated.
“Police officers who betray the public trust will face the full force of justice.”
The case of Mark “Owis” Owino serves as a stark reminder of both the potential for corruption within law enforcement and the growing power of citizen journalism and social media in holding wrongdoers accountable.
As one veteran police officer put it: “This is a dark day for the service, but it’s also an opportunity. We must root out the bad elements among us if we are to regain public confidence.”
For the residents of Ajigo and surrounding areas, Owino’s arrest brings a measure of justice, and perhaps, finally, some peace of mind.
