KDF Recovers Sophisticated US Machine Gun in North Rift Raids

A multi-agency unit comprising Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) soldiers and National Police Service officers, on Friday, April 7, mounted an operation that led to the recovery of an M-16 machine gun in the North Rift. 
 

The National Police Service revealed that the officers staged the operation after being tipped off by local community members. 
 

"Our multi-agency security team conducting Operation Maliza Uhalifu North Rift recovered a serviceable M-16 Rifle in Tiaty East Sub-County. 

 

"The illegal firearm was suspected of having been used in banditry activities along Akwichatis -Tangulbei Road," read part of the statement by the police, confirming fears that bandits had more sophisticated weapons. 

The M16A4 is the standard infantry weapon of the US Marine Corps since 2003, and is a military-designated weapon used by many soldiers worldwide. 
 

When unloaded, the M-16 machine gun weighs less than 3.3 kg, measures 100 cm long, and has a 20-round or 30-round magazine. 
 

It can fire 5.56-mm or 223-calibre ammunition at 700–950 rounds per minute.
 

When used against a target, it can lead to suppressing fire that can kill many people within a few seconds. 
 

The National Police Service expressed gratitude to the members of the local community that assisted the police with vital information which led to the recovery of the gun. 
 

The police also urged community leaders from troubled regions to consider working with security teams to arrest suspects. 
 

"We thank elders from the local community who provided timely information leading to the recovery of the illegal firearm," Police requested. 
 

To recover more guns, police asked citizens with unlicensed guns to surrender them to the authorities. 
 

"At the same time, we appeal to those holding illicit firearms to voluntarily surrender the same to National Security Agencies," the police urged.

 

Meanwhile, four primary schools closed indefinitely on Friday, April 7, in Turkana County after the latest banditry attack. 

 

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) board chairman, Jamleck Muturi, noted that pupils' lives were the major priority. 

 

"We will ensure that the schools are prepared, but the underlying issue of security must be dealt with once and for all so that this issue does not happen again," Muturi assured.