Detectives from Igembe South, Igembe North, and Mutuati sub-counties have today, December 21, arrested a National Police Reserve (NPR) officer and recovered an AK-47 rifle linked to a series of robberies in the Kirindine area of Igembe South.
The suspect was said to have been part of a gang that was wreaking havoc in the Kirindine shopping centre. Earlier, on December 19, they were involved in a violent robbery in the same place.
Following crucial leads, the detectives proceeded to the villages of Kina Meru, Kiutine, and Kina-Duba, where they found and arrested the suspect.
"Through crucial leads, the team of detectives proceeded to the villages of Kina Meru, Kiutine, and Kina-Duba, culminating in the arrest of the officer," the statement stated.
After being questioned by the officers, he revealed where he hid the AK-47 rifle that was reportedly used in the robbery incident.
Alongside the rifle, detectives recovered a magazine containing two rounds of 7.62 x 39 mm ammunition.
Apart from the gun and ammunition, the officers also recovered the official Government G3 rifle issued to the said NPR officer, with one magazine, which was confiscated by the detectives.
Earlier this year, several high-profile cases surfaced involving current and former officers allegedly taking part in robberies, abductions, and even the theft of items recovered from criminals.
Earlier in October, DCI officers from Kasarani Police Station were arrested for allegedly breaking into a house, making off with money estimated to be around Ksh2 million.
During that time, four suspects, including a former police officer, were caught in Nairobi for kidnappings and armed robberies, with evidence ranging from vehicle plates to handcuffs and teargas canisters.
Around September this year, eight police officers from Maseno Police Station were arrested for allegedly stealing a Land Cruiser V8 from the station’s yard.
The vehicle was an exhibit that had been recovered after a previous violent robbery in Machakos. At the same time, three other officers from different units were charged in Kiambu County for abducting a businesswoman and taking a significant sum of money.
The arrested suspect was in police custody awaiting arraignment in court as the officers launched a manhunt for the remaining suspects.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) pledged to step up operations across the country, especially during the festive season, to protect lives and property.
