DCI Make Arrest In Search Of Missing Four Police Guns, 110 Bullets

The detectives had raided his father's compound in Abuje village in Nyando Kisumu county and dug the compound in search of the firearms

DCI Make Arrest In Search Of Missing Four Police Guns, 110 Bullets
A police station in Homa Bay County. /TWITTER.DCI

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested the mastermind of a daring attack at a police station in Homa Bay county on Wednesday night, November 16 that led to the disappearance of four police firearms and over 100 rounds of ammunition.

In its statement on Wednesday, November 30, the suspect, Charles Nyumba Ongany, 27, was arrested following a clandestine operation by sleuths based in Homabay, leading to the recovery of one G-3 rifle loaded with 20 rounds of 7.62mm calibre.

The detectives had raided his father's compound in Abuje village in Nyando Kisumu county and dug the compound in search of the firearms, after getting wind that the dangerous arms cache had been buried there.

One of the weapons recovered by the DCI after it was stolen from a police station in Homa Bay County. /TWITTER.DCI

"Following the early morning raid, the suspect’s father also believed to be part of the dangerous gang managed to escape the police dragnet narrowly and a manhunt for his arrest is currently underway," revealed the DCI.

In the attack staged at Kipasi police post in Mbita, the unknown number of thugs broke into the station’s armoury under unclear circumstances and took off with the firearms including three G-3 riffles, one AK-47 assault rifle and 110 rounds of ammunition.

"The recovery of the firearm and arrest of the suspect is a major breakthrough for the sleuths as the thug will lead them to his accomplices and the recovery of the rest of the firearms," added the DCI.

The incident happened while a majority of officers were not around the station. The site also houses the office of the Lambwe Central location chief.

While confirming the incident, area Member of Parliament Millie Odhiambo urged the police to crack down on the suspects while expressing worry about how bold they had become.

"It is worrisome that thieves can steal from a police armoury. This means citizens can no longer be safe. Indeed the alarming and increased incidents of violence in Suba North must be dealt with urgently.

"I am nonetheless calling on the police not to victimize innocent people as they often do in the search for the real culprits," she stated.

Reports indicated that the theft was discovered by an officer who reported for duty on Thursday morning, November 17. Officers on duty were questioned for the better part of the day even as it was alleged that the armoury may have been left unattended.

A police corporal at the station noted that he went to the office only to find that someone had broken into the building. Upon inspection, he found that four guns had been stolen, prompting him to alert his bosses.

Officers from the Mbita and Homa Bay police stations were immediately sent to the scene to investigate and found that the criminals gained access by breaking a rear window.

They then broke a padlock on the armoury door and accessed the guns that were kept in a steel rifle box.

The incident came even as President William Ruto instructed police officers not to hesitate in using force against the security threats posed by gangs and bandits across the country.

President William Ruto (front center) with other leaders and Police Commanders at State House on Wednesday, November 16, 2022. /PCS