Two teenagers arrested with AK-47 rifle in Turkana

Two teenagers arrested with AK-47 rifle in Turkana

The pair are expected to appear in court where they may face several charges, including the illegal possession of a firearm.

Two teenagers have been apprehended by police in Lokichogio, Turkana County, after being found in possession of an AK-47 rifle.

According to a statement issued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on Sunday, 27 April, the 18- and 19-year-olds were arrested following a tip-off from concerned members of the public.

"A swift response by Lokichogio Police officers to a tip-off from members of the public has led to the arrest of two young suspects, who were found in possession of an AK-47 rifle with an empty magazine," the DCI confirmed.

The pair are expected to appear in court where they may face several charges, including the illegal possession of a firearm.

The circumstances under which the teenagers obtained the assault rifle remain unclear.

However, recent months have seen an increase in incidents where security officers have lost their firearms during attacks across the Turkana region.

Under Kenyan law, specifically the Firearms Act (Cap 114), it is an offence to possess a firearm without a valid licence from the Firearms Licensing Board.

Conviction for such an offence can lead to a prison term of up to 10 years, a substantial fine, or both.

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