ISIOLO, Kenya — Detectives have recovered an M16 rifle in Isiolo that they suspect could be linked to four separate murders in Isiolo and neighbouring Meru County, according to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
The firearm, which was loaded with five rounds of 5.56×45mm ammunition, was recovered in the Kakili area of Burat Location during an intelligence-led multi-agency operation.
The operation involved police officers from Isiolo County, National Police Reservists (NPRs) and National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs).
The DCI said the recovery followed actionable intelligence and could provide investigators with a significant lead in several unsolved killings.
According to the DCI, detectives are investigating the suspected connection between the rifle and four murders reported between January 2025 and February 2026.
The cases under investigation are:
- January 26, 2025: A murder reported at Maili Tatu in Meru County.
- July 20, 2025: The killing of a businesswoman in Isiolo town’s central business district.
- December 24, 2025: A murder reported at Sakama Bar in Isiolo town.
- February 18, 2026: The killing of a deputy principal at Leparua in Isiolo North Sub-County.
The DCI said detectives are now examining whether the same firearm was used in the four incidents and whether it could also have been involved in other crimes.
The suspected links have not yet been conclusively established, pending forensic examination.
The DCI said the M16 rifle is believed to be linked to Aloise Lochuchu, also known as “Akoo,” whom it described as a notorious bandit.
The agency said Lochuchu was recently charged with robbery with violence.
However, the DCI’s reference to the firearm’s suspected connection to Lochuchu does not by itself establish that he used the weapon in any of the four murders.
The investigation is expected to establish how the firearm came into circulation, who had access to it and whether forensic evidence connects it to any of the crime scenes.
The recovered weapon has been secured at the Isiolo Police Station armoury and will be submitted to the National Forensic Laboratory for ballistic examination.
The examination could provide investigators with evidence on whether the rifle was fired in connection with any of the four murder cases.
Ballistic analysis may also help investigators determine whether cartridge cases or other firearm evidence recovered from previous crime scenes can be matched to the weapon.
The DCI said the recovery represented an important breakthrough as detectives sought to piece together the circumstances surrounding the killings.
Investigators will also examine whether the firearm may have been used in other crimes in Isiolo, Meru or elsewhere.
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The recovery was carried out through cooperation between different security agencies and local security structures.
The DCI said the operation demonstrated the importance of actionable intelligence and community cooperation in efforts to recover illegal firearms and disrupt criminal networks.
The agency has not disclosed whether anyone was arrested during the operation in connection with the recovered rifle.
Further details are expected as detectives conduct ballistic tests and continue tracing the firearm’s history.
The outcome of the forensic examination could determine whether the M16 becomes a crucial link connecting some of the region’s unresolved killings or whether investigators will need to pursue other leads.
