A deception at Kitale Police Station concluded with officers from Sibanga Police Station recovering a stolen police firearm taken by an imposter pretending to be a newly assigned officer.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, May 20, when a man wearing a police raincoat, claiming to be a recently transferred officer from Eldoret, entered Kitale Police Station.
The suspect reportedly spoke with the night guard, PC Ishmael Kimutai, in the presence of PC Cornelius Kiplimo and Cpl Jeremiah Rotich, who was on duty, stating he was looking for accommodation within the police compound.
After a brief conversation, the suspect asked to be directed to a place where he could purchase food, leading PC Kimutai to escort him to a nearby hotel.
According to the OB report, the suspect allegedly requested PC Kimutai to assist him with carrying his Stryer rifle, serial number 3177302, which contained 25 rounds of 9mm ammunition, as they walked toward the shops.
Police stated the officer handed over the firearm just before the suspect jumped onto a waiting motorcycle and fled toward Kitale Town.
Security teams responded swiftly, initiating an intensive search for the imposter and the missing weapon.
“Thanks to alert members of the public who refused to ignore this criminal act, valuable information reached the officers,” the DCI stated in a release.
Based on this information, the Sibanga officers conducted a targeted operation that brought them to Sokomoko Village in Sitatunga Location, Trans Nzoia East Sub-county, where they arrested 22-year-old Brian Kibet.
During a quick search, Kibet was found with the stolen Steyr rifle, containing twenty-five rounds of 9mm ammunition and ready for use.
Kibet was detained and is currently undergoing processing before being brought before the court.