A man arrested/FILEA man posing as a newly posted police officer has been arrested after allegedly stealing a loaded police rifle from officers at Kitale Police Station before escaping on a motorcycle.
The suspect was arrested after detectives and officers from Sibanga Police Station launched a manhunt that led to the recovery of the stolen firearm, together with 25 rounds of ammunition, in Trans Nzoia County.
In a statement on Friday, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the incident happened on Wednesday when the suspect, dressed in a police raincoat, walked into Kitale Police Station pretending to be an officer recently transferred from Eldoret.
According to the DCI, the man interacted freely with officers on gate duty and requested assistance in finding accommodation within the police lines.
“He chatted up officers at the station and asked for help in securing accommodation after claiming he had just been posted to the station,” the DCI said.
Investigators said the suspect later requested to be shown a nearby hotel where he could get food, prompting officers to accompany him in what appeared to be a routine act of collegial support.
However, detectives said the suspect had carefully planned the deception.
“As they walked, the suspect tricked one of the officers into carrying his luggage before stealthily making away with the officer’s loaded rifle,” the DCI said.
The suspect is said to have quickly boarded a waiting motorcycle and fled, leaving officers shocked after realising the firearm had been stolen.
The incident immediately triggered a security operation involving police officers and detectives who launched a search for both the suspect and the missing firearm.
The DCI said information from members of the public later helped investigators trace the suspect to Sokomoko Village in Sitatunga area within Trans Nzoia East Sub-county.
“Acting on credible intelligence from vigilant members of the public, officers conducted a targeted operation that led to the arrest of the suspect and recovery of the stolen firearm,” the statement said.
Detectives recovered the rifle fully loaded with 25 rounds of ammunition during the operation, according to the DCI.
The suspect was taken into custody and is expected to be arraigned after completion of processing procedures.
The DCI commended members of the public for providing timely information that led to the recovery of the firearm and arrest of the suspect, saying the case demonstrated the importance of cooperation between citizens and law enforcement agencies.
“This underscores the importance of strong police-public partnership in the fight against crime,” the DCI said.
The agency further urged Kenyans to remain vigilant and immediately report suspicious individuals or criminal activities to authorities.
The DCI also cautioned members of the public against impersonating police officers, warning that such offences pose serious security risks and attract severe legal consequences.
Police officers were equally advised to remain alert when dealing with unfamiliar individuals seeking access to security installations or sensitive police equipment.
The DCI encouraged the public to continue sharing information through its toll-free hotline and anonymous reporting platforms to support ongoing efforts aimed at combating crime and safeguarding public safety.
