The recovery followed actionable intelligence that led investigators to a suspect currently facing robbery with violence charges.
Police in Isiolo have recovered an M16 rifle suspected to have been used in four murders in Isiolo and neighbouring Meru county.
The firearm, which was loaded with five rounds of ammunition, was recovered in the Kakili area of Burat Location during an intelligence-led multi-agency operation involving police officers, National Police Reservists (NPRs) and National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs).
The recovery followed actionable intelligence that led investigators to a suspect currently facing robbery with violence charges.
Detectives have since linked the firearm to four separate murder cases in Isiolo and Meru counties.
"We have had a number of murder cases but we have not been finding the weapons used in the murders. But we found leads after we were informed there was a suspect who was receiving treatment and it's through the suspect that we were able to find the gun," a DCI officer involved in the investigation said.
The officer said preliminary investigations had linked the firearm to the January 26, 2025, murder of Patrick Nyaga Gathu at Maili Tatu in Meru county.
"We have evidence that the suspect in custody was involved and we have reason to believe that this gun was used in the murder," he said.
The firearm was also linked to the December 24 murder of a young man in a bar at Kambi ya Juu in Isiolo town, according to the officer.
On February 18, 2026, deputy principal William Maingi Gitobu was killed at Leparua in Isiolo North subcounty.
"In our investigations, we've found that this suspect and others who are part of his gang are the ones who staged the ambush in which teacher William Maingi Gitobu died," the officer said.
The officer said preliminary investigations had also linked the firearm to the July 20, 2026, murder of a businesswoman in Isiolo town's central business district.
"We also have reason to believe the suspect we have in custody was involved and now we have found the gun which we are going to subject to forensic analysis."
The recovery provides detectives with a key piece of evidence as they investigate the four killings and establish the firearm's role in each case.
Investigators will also seek to determine whether the weapon was used in other crimes.
The rifle has been secured at Isiolo Police Station and will be forwarded to the National Forensic Laboratory for ballistic examination.
The DCI said the recovery demonstrated the importance of actionable intelligence and public cooperation in efforts to combat crime.
The agency urged members of the public to share information about suspicious individuals anonymously through its toll-free #FichuaKwaDCI number 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp number 0709 570 000.
