Police officers in Kitale, Trans Nzoia County, are looking for a G3 rifle taken from a National Police Reservist (NPR) who was found on Tuesday morning murdered in a sugarcane plantation in Amagoro area.
Speaking to K24 Digital, Kiminini Sub-County Police Commander John Onditi confirmed the incident stating that the deceased, identified as Evans Barasa, was murdered and covered with sugarcane leaves as he was guarding the farm with his colleague.
"The officer was guarding the farm where harvesting was happening. Shortly he was called by one resident who took him inside the plantation where he was later found murdered and gun taken away from him," Onditi confirmed.
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Onditi noted that investigations are ongoing to establish the culprits and the motive behind the act.
"Our officers are investigating the matter. Suspects will be brought to book as soon as we conclude investigations," he said.
The police boss urged residents of Waitaluk ward to volunteer information about the suspects of the murder and possible areas to find the stolen gun.
"The gun can be used to commit offences; we are asking the residents to give us any information they have on this incident; we shall act on it in confidence," Onditi appealed.
So far, police have arrested one suspect, Fredrick Makokha, 72 years.
Waitaluk area residents, led by Nyumba Kumi chairperson John KIidula said tension is high in the area because they fear the criminals might use the gun to commit crimes.
"We have less than three weeks to the general elections; we are worried that whoever took the gun might use it to terrorize us during this electioneering period. We ask the government to do everything possible to ensure our lives and properties are protected," he added.
Police moved the deceased's body to Kitale County Referral Hospital morgue awaiting autopsy.
