Police officer tricked as suspect posing as colleague steals rifle, ammunition from Kitale station

According to an occurrence book (OB) report filed at the station, the incident happened on Tuesday at about 9.30pm when an unknown person, dressed in a police raincoat, went to the main gate and introduced himself as an officer newly posted from Eldoret Police Station.

The suspect reportedly spoke to the night guard, PC Ishmael Kimutai, alongside PC Cornelius Kiplimo and Cpl Jeremiah Rotich who was in charge, claiming he was looking for housing within the police lines.

Police said after a brief familiarisation, the suspect asked to be shown where he could buy food, and PC Kimutai opted to escort him to a nearby hotel.

The OB report states that on the way, the suspect asked the officer to help him carry his rifle — a Stryer rifle serial number 3177302 — which was loaded with 25 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Police said the officer handed over the firearm near shops, after which the suspect immediately boarded a motorcycle that was on standby and fled towards Kitale town.

The report further indicates that the officer did not raise an alarm immediately or inform the officer in charge, and only made a call after the suspect had escaped.

Police said a team was activated by the OCS to recover the rifle, while the three officers who were on duty at the gate — Cpl Rotich, PC Kimutai and PC Kiplimo — were placed in custody as investigations continue.

DCI officers in Trans Nzoia West are investigating the inciden