The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) officers on Sunday, July 9, arrested an illegal firearm trader in Turkana after one sleuth possed as a buyer.
The DCI in a statement following the arrest reported that one of their undercover officers posed as a potential buyer after receiving a tip-off from members of the public. Turkana County is one of the regions with illegal firearms problems, sparking flames of banditry.
The DCI claimed the 24-year-old suspect landed in their dragnet after their officers ordered an AK47 rifle.
"The arrest followed a stealth operation launched by the area No Guns for Gangs operators after several cases of armed robberies were received in the area," DCI reported in a Twitter post seen by Kenyans.co.ke.
According to the DCI, a preliminary analysis shows that the firearm is not registered, which could mean that it was brought into the country illegally. The suspect's accomplices managed to escape into nearby thickets.
"... he was cornered and the firearm he intended to sell was confiscated. He will appear in court Monday, July 10, to answer to appropriate charges," a statement by the DCI read in parts.
The DCI noted that they will continue to work closely with members of the public who were acknowledged for constantly providing information that had led to the arrest of illegal firearm traders in the area.
"The DCI warns that no effort will be spared in dealing with cases of armed robberies, with perpetrators being met with even greater force," the statement read in parts.
After investigations, the suspect will be charged with illegal possession of a firearm contrary to the Firearms Act Cap114, which regulates the possession, use, and transfer of firearms.
Firearms Act Cap114 defines a firearm as any instrument or appliance designed or adapted to discharge any projectile by the action of an explosive. This includes guns, pistols, rifles, shotguns, and other weapons that use gunpowder to fire projectiles.
It also prohibits the possession of firearms by certain persons, such as those who have been convicted of a crime involving violence, those who are mentally ill, and those who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Firearms Act Cap114 sets out a number of other regulations regarding the use of firearms, such as the requirement to keep firearms in a safe place and the prohibition on carrying firearms in public places.
