Man arrested with loaded gun in Marsabit, four others recovered in Isiolo
By Waweru Wairimu |
It is suspected the suspect could be part of a criminal gang that has been terrorising residents.
Police in Marsabit County have arrested a 27-year-old man with a loaded firearm within the Gadamoji area following a tip-off from the public.
The suspect, Wario Golo, is currently being interrogated as police seek to establish the source of the carbine firearm and the intention of arming himself.
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The firearm was loaded with 13 rounds of ammunition.
It is suspected the suspect could be part of a criminal gang that has been terrorising residents.
Elsewhere, four firearms; a G3 and three AK-47 rifles, have been recovered in Isiolo's Daaba area which has been notorious for cattle rustling cases.
Isiolo Sub-County Police Commander Edward Kang'ara said the recovery followed ongoing joint efforts by the security team, national government administrators and local elders geared towards encouraging the local community to voluntarily surrender illegal firearms.
Daaba has been a hideout for criminals from local communities and from neighbouring counties who have been colluding to steal livestock locally and in neighbouring Meru County.
"This is a breakthrough in our efforts to rid the region of illegal firearms which are among the drivers of conflicts and insecurity," he said.
One of the firearms is suspected to have been used in a past raid where four camels were stolen. The animals have since been recovered.
The police boss said a follow-up would be carried out to arrest the criminals in possession of the guns.
He implored members of the public to support the exercise through voluntary surrender of illegal firearms or sharing information to aid in the recovery and arrest of criminals.
"The government has enough weapons to protect all citizens and there's no reason for our people to arm themselves," he said, adding that the State will continue deploying National Police Reservists to protect communities at village level and augment police efforts.
He assured that information shared by the public either anonymously or directly will be treated with utmost confidentiality.
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