Police in Kirinyaga county have arrested a 27-year-old man and recovered a loaded pistol from him at a local club, following a tip-off from members of the public. The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced the arrest on Sunday, October 11. The suspect was apprehended at Club Cluster in Piai, Mwea East, by officers from Itangi Police Station who acted on intelligence from the public.
According to the DCI report, upon apprehending the suspect, officers conducted a search and found a Retay Falcon pistol tucked on the right side of his waist. The weapon had one live round lodged in its chamber. Investigators also recovered two spent cartridges from the suspect. He was taken into custody and remains detained as detectives work to establish how he came to be in possession of the firearm and under what circumstances.
The DCI credited the arrest to a timely report from members of the public, noting that such intelligence-sharing is critical to crime prevention. The agency commended the public for sharing information that led to the arrest and urged more Kenyans to report suspicious activity through its toll-free line, 0800 722 203, or via WhatsApp at 0709 570 000, assuring callers that reports can be made anonymously.
The suspect, aged 27, is currently being held at a local police station as investigations into the origin of the firearm and the circumstances surrounding its possession continue. The DCI has not released further details about the suspect's identity or any potential connections to organized crime groups.
This arrest comes as part of a series of operations by the DCI to curb the proliferation of illicit firearms in Kenya. Recently, the DCI recovered a stolen Toyota Prado in Moyale after detectives stopped the vehicle with a chassis number that did not match NTSA records. A search of the vehicle uncovered an empty pistol magazine, a holster, and rolls of bhang.
The DCI's efforts to enhance community policing and encourage public participation in crime prevention have been ongoing. The agency's commitment to fighting crime and ensuring public safety has been underscored by its continued engagement with the public and collaboration with other law enforcement agencies.
The case is set to be brought before a court of law once investigations are complete, and the suspect is expected to face charges related to possession of a firearm with live ammunition. The DCI's success in this case demonstrates the impact of collaborative efforts between law enforcement and the public in maintaining security and order in communities across Kenya.
Key points
- The suspect was found with a Retay Falcon pistol and one live round of ammunition.
- The arrest was made possible by a tip-off from members of the public.
- The DCI is urging the public to report suspicious activity through its toll-free lines.
