KISUMU, Kenya – Police in Kisumu are holding a 21-year-old man accused of engaging officers in an early morning shootout within the central business district, during which an AK-47 rifle was recovered.
Kisumu Central Deputy Police Commander Bakari Mwanauli said the suspect, identified as Kelvin Oduor, alias Kevo, was cornered after officers on patrol along Otieno Oyoo Street responded to a gunshot shortly before dawn.
“The suspect had raided a residential home with the intention of committing a robbery when our officers heard the gunfire and rushed to the scene,” Mwanauli said.
Police say the suspect opened fire at the responding officers, prompting an exchange that ended with his arrest.
Investigations revealed that Oduor had earlier tied up a night guard at the targeted premises and stolen his mobile phone before attempting to flee.
He reportedly ran into a nearby compound and climbed onto the roof of the Patel Sarmaj building, where he hid inside a water tank in a bid to evade capture. Officers managed to flush him out and disarm him.
An AK-47 rifle, serial number 94883, loaded with several rounds of ammunition, was recovered from the scene, alongside a spent cartridge.
The suspect is being detained at Kisumu Central Police Station and is expected to be arraigned once investigations are complete.
