TRANS NZOIA, Kenya — Police in Trans Nzoia County have arrested a 22-year-old man after recovering a stolen police firearm and ammunition, less than 24 hours after it was taken from a police station in Kitale.
The suspect, identified as Brian Kibet, was apprehended following a tip-off from members of the public. Officers from Sibanga Police Station in Trans Nzoia East Sub-county recovered a Steyr rifle loaded with 25 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
According to police, the weapon had been stolen from Kitale Police Station on the night of May 20, 2026.
Investigators say the theft followed a deceptive scheme in which the suspect allegedly posed as a police officer.
According to preliminary reports, a man dressed in a police raincoat arrived at the station’s main gate at around 9:30pm, identifying himself as a newly posted officer from Eldoret Police Station.
He reportedly engaged three officers on duty, including a corporal who was in charge at the time, and claimed he was looking for accommodation within the police lines.
During the interaction, the suspect allegedly requested directions to a nearby hotel to buy food. As one officer escorted him, the man is said to have asked the officer to briefly carry his rifle.
Moments later, the suspect reportedly boarded a waiting motorcycle and fled towards Kitale town with the firearm.
Police said the officer involved did not immediately raise an alarm or notify superiors, only reporting the incident after attempts to trace the suspect failed.
The delay prompted internal concern, with three officers who were on duty at the station gate placed in custody pending investigations into possible negligence or procedural lapses.
Also Read: Stolen AK-47 rifle recovered in Kabete after Dagoretti Police Post looting
The firearm was recovered approximately 12 hours after the incident during a coordinated search operation triggered by intelligence from the public.
Kibet remains in custody as detectives investigate the circumstances of the theft and whether the suspect has links to broader criminal networks.
The incident has raised fresh questions about security protocols at police installations and the handling of firearms by officers on duty.
Authorities say a full review is underway, with disciplinary and legal action expected depending on the outcome of investigations.
