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Kisumu police nab gunman after shootout, recover AK-47 rifle
27th October, 2025 11:25 AM
Police in Kisumu have arrested a person of interest and recovered an AK-47 rifle following a dramatic shootout along St. Otieno Oyoo Street near Patel Sarmaj Temple.
The incident comes just two days after police in Kisumu recovered another firearm believed to have been stolen from a General Service Unit (GSU) officer during the burial of the late former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in Bondo.
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In a press briefing on Monday, October 27, 2025, the Kisumu Central Deputy Sub-County Police Commander, Bakari Juma, officers who were on patrol noticed three suspicious men, one of whom was carrying a plastic bag, and upon spotting the officers, the man is said to have drawn a rifle from the bag and opened fire.
“Our officers immediately responded and managed to corner the suspect inside Patel Sarmaj Temple,” Juma said.
He explained that while hiding inside the temple, the armed person of interest is said to have robbed one of the security guards at gunpoint, taking his mobile phone and other personal items.
“The suspect then tied the guard’s hands behind his back using a piece of cloth before continuing to exchange fire with the police,” the police boss said.
Insecurity in Kisumu
Juma said the officers called in special response teams who surrounded the building and managed to smoke out the suspect. In a desperate attempt to evade arrest, the man climbed onto the rooftop and hid inside a large water tank, where he was eventually apprehended.
Police recovered an AK-47 rifle, serial number 94883, loaded with five rounds of 7.2mm special ammunition and one spent cartridge.
“We believe this firearm has been used in several robbery incidents within Kisumu City,” Juma revealed.
The person of interest is currently held at Kisumu Central Police Station for interrogation, waiting for arraignment.
The deputy police commander noted that two other persons of interest managed to escape during the shootout, and efforts to track them down are ongoing.
He appealed to members of the public to remain vigilant and provide any information that could lead to the arrest of the remaining persons of interest.
“At this point, I wish to commend our officers for their swift response and successful arrest. Let it be known that Kisumu will no longer be a haven for criminals. We will use all our resources to ensure that the criminals are brought to book and to maintain peace and stability in this city,” he asserted.
