Detectives have recoved a firearm stolen from a police officer during a robbery incident at Equity Bank branch in Matuu, Machakos County, a year ago.
In a statement on Friday, July 8 the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the AK47 rifle snatched from Constable Patrick Omusebe was recovered in a bush in Ruiru, Kiambu County, after a tip off from a member of the public.
The operation was led by detectives based at the elite Crime Research & Intelligence Bureau, and a contingent of officers from Ruiru.
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"The recovery followed intelligence leads received via our #FichuakwaDCI anonymous hotline, by a man who was clearing bushes at his farm in Ruiru," DCI said.
Prior to the recovery, DCI said, detectives had intensified an undercover manhunt for the suspect, who was in possession of the firearm.
After learning that police were hot on his trail, the George Kinoti-led directorate said the suspect opted to dispose it 'rather than challenge the sleuths to a duel'.
A magazine loaded with 21 rounds of 7.62 mm calibre, was also recovered during the operation.
Equity Bank raided
The suspect is believed to have been part of a four man gang that staged a daring daylight robbery at the Equity Bank branch on July 27, 2021.
The gang made away with an unspecified amount of money during the robbery that brought business in Matuu town to a stand still.
The firearm has been handed over to ballistic experts based at the DCI National Forensic Laboratory for analysis.
Meanwhile, a manhunt for the suspect who is still at large is ongoing.
"The Directorate of Criminal Investigations is issuing a stern warning to criminals terrorizing members of the public with firearms, that their days are numbered. They have no choice but to surrender," DCI warned.
RECOVERY OF A POLICE FIREARM
Detectives have recovered a firearm that was wrestled from a police officer on guard duties at Equity Bank in Matuu, Machakos county, in July last year. The detectives based at the elite Crime Research & Intelligence Bureau, pic.twitter.com/zIOGV9UxGW— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) July 8, 2022
