Police have arrested 72 suspects including a police corporal on duty, after two loaded rifles were stolen from the Maguguni Police Patrol Base in Thika East, Kiambu County on Wednesday.
Central Regional Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi confirmed that the suspects were apprehended from the surrounding areas and were assisting investigators. “Investigations are underway following a break-in at the armory, resulting in the theft of an AK-47 and a G3 rifle,” said Ndanyi.
The theft was discovered around 4am by a corporal returning to the station after checking on barking dogs. The officer had noticed that one iron sheet from the armory was missing.
“Upon inspection, the padlock on the armoury door was found broken. Inside, a steel box had been opened, and an AK-47 rifle loaded with two magazines of 30 rounds each, and a G3 rifle with a magazine of 20 rounds, summing up to a total of 150 rounds of ammunition were missing,” the commander explained.
He termed the incident serious and alarming, saying the loss of firearms from a police base poses a major security threat to the public.
“We are doing everything possible to ensure the firearms are recovered and that that culprits face the full force of the law. We have interrogated several suspects and those found innocent have been released,” he said.
The Regional commander called on members of the public to assist in tracing the stolen weapons by reporting any suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police station. He assured the public that security operations have been intensified.
Meanwhile, residents of Maguguni and surrounding areas are living in fear, worried that the stolen rifles could be used to commit crimes. Many have urged the police to enhance patrols, saying they now feel unsafe, especially at night.
By Muoki Charles
