The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has revealed how a man posing as a newly transferred police officer managed to steal a loaded firearm from an unsuspecting officer at Kitale Police Station before he was later arrested in Trans Nzoia County.
In a statement, the DCI noted that the incident occurred on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, after the suspect arrived at the station dressed in a police raincoat and introduced himself as an officer recently posted from Eldoret.
The man reportedly interacted freely with officers on duty and requested assistance in finding accommodation within the police line.
Fake police officer arrested after stealing a loaded rifle from Kitale Station. Photo: Courtesy.
Trusting his story, some officers accompanied him to a nearby hotel after he asked to be shown where he could get something to eat.
According to investigators, the suspect then executed a carefully planned theft while walking with the officers.
He allegedly convinced one of the officers to help carry his luggage before secretly taking off with the officer’s loaded Steyr rifle containing 25 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Moments later, the suspect jumped onto a waiting motorcycle and fled the scene, triggering panic and an immediate manhunt by security officers.
The DCI stated that detectives, supported by members of the public who volunteered critical information, launched an operation to trace the suspect and recover the missing firearm.
The operation led officers from Sibanga Police Station to Sokomoko Village in Sitatunga Location, Trans Nzoia East Sub-county, where they arrested 22-year-old Brian Kibet.
Police recovered the stolen Steyr rifle together with the 25 rounds of ammunition during the raid.
Kibet was taken into custody and is currently being processed pending arraignment in court.
The DCI commended members of the public for cooperating with investigators, saying the successful recovery demonstrated the importance of strong collaboration between wananchi and law enforcement agencies in combating crime and enhancing public safety.
