Officer arrested as DCI recovers AK-47 linked to Robberies
By Ascah Mwango, December 21, 2025Law enforcement officers have arrested a National Police Reserve (NPR) officer and recovered an AK-47 rifle following a joint security operation in Igembe South, Meru County.
In a statement shared via its X account on Sunday, December 21, 2025, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said detectives from Igembe South, Igembe North and Mutuati sub-counties carried out a coordinated operation that led to the arrest of the individual and the recovery of the firearm linked to a series of robberies in the Kirindine area.
“In a meticulously coordinated operation, detectives from Igembe South, Igembe North, and Mutuati sub-counties have apprehended a National Police Reserve officer and recovered an AK-47 rifle linked to a series of robberies in Kirindine area of Igembe South,” the DCI said.
According to the investigators, the individual is believed to be part of a wider gang involved in a robbery with violence that occurred on December 19, 2025, at Kirindini Shopping Centre. This incident left traders shaken and raised security concerns in the area.
The DCI said detectives followed crucial leads that took them to several villages, including Kina Meru, Kiutine and Kina-Duba, where the operation eventually led to the arrest.
“Through crucial leads, the team of detectives proceeded to the villages of Kina Meru, Kiutine, and Kina-Duba, culminating in the arrest of the officer,” the statement read.
During questioning, the individual disclosed where a firearm had been hidden. Detectives later recovered an AK-47 rifle that had been buried, which authorities say was used during the robbery at the shopping centre.
“Upon questioning, he revealed the location where he had buried an AK-47 rifle, a weapon that was reportedly used in the robbery incident,” the DCI said.
Alongside the rifle, officers also recovered a magazine loaded with two rounds of 7.62 x 39 mm ammunition. In addition, the official Government G3 rifle that had been issued to the NPR officer, together with one magazine, was confiscated as part of the investigations.
The individual is currently in custody and is being processed as police prepare to present the matter in court. Detectives have also intensified efforts to track down other persons of interest believed to be part of the criminal network.
“He is currently in custody, undergoing processing pending arraignment. Meanwhile, the operation is ongoing to trail and apprehend his accomplices who remain at large,” the DCI said.
The agency stated that security operations have been intensified nationwide during the festive season to deter crime and protect the public.
“As Kenyans celebrate the festive season, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations has intensified operations countrywide and will act swiftly and decisively against criminals to safeguard lives, property, and public peace,” the statement added.