Detectives from the Operations Support Unit (OSU) have arrested four law enforcement officers suspected of running an illegal firearms and ammunition racket believed to be fueling insecurity and violence across various regions of the country.
The arrested officers include:
- Assistant Superintendent of Prisons Ekidor Lotira Charles, based in Turkana,
- Corporal Isaac Kipngetich, attached to Turkana County Police Headquarters,
- Police Constable Ileli Cyrus Kisamwa, an armorer at the Central Firearms Stores in Industrial Area, and
- Constable Samson Muriithi Mutongu, a storeman also stationed at the Industrial Area facility.
The suspects had been under surveillance for an extended period, following intelligence reports linking them to the illicit arms trade.
Their arrests are the result of days of meticulous profiling, surveillance, and forensic investigations conducted by the OSU.
A major breakthrough came when Corporal Kipngetich was apprehended in the act, receiving a consignment of 1,000 rounds of ammunition from Constables Ileli and Mutongu. The ammunition was reportedly destined for ASP Lotira.
Following further intelligence leads, detectives raided Constable Mutongu’s premises, where they recovered 19 assorted firearm magazines, multiple firing pins, cleaning kits, and three spent 9mm cartridges.
Constable Ileli was also arrested in possession of a Remington Rand Model 1911 pistol and two Ceska pistol firing pins.
All four suspects have been processed for arraignment and are expected to appear in court on Monday.
The National Police Service (NPS) has condemned the incident, reaffirming its commitment to rooting out rogue officers involved in criminal enterprises and restoring public trust.
“We will not hesitate to take firm action against any individual, regardless of rank, who undermines national security and betrays the public by engaging in the illegal arms trade,” the NPS stated.
