NAIROBI, Kenya — Detectives have arrested four law enforcement officers accused of running an illegal arms racket believed to be fueling violence and insecurity across the country.
The suspects — all drawn from different security agencies — were identified as Assistant Superintendent of Prisons Ekidor Lotira Charles, based in Turkana; Corporal Isaac Kipngetich of the Turkana County Police Headquarters; Police Constable Ileli Cyrus Kisamwa, an armorer at the Central Firearms Stores in Industrial Area; and Constable Samson Muriithi Mutongu, a storeman at the same depot.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the officers had been under surveillance for weeks as part of a probe into the illegal trafficking of firearms and ammunition.
“The breakthrough came when Corporal Kipngetich was caught red-handed receiving a consignment of 1,000 rounds of ammunition from Constables Ileli and Mutongu, which was intended for ASP Ekidor Lotira,” the agency said in a Saturday statement.
FOUR LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ARRESTED OVER ILLEGAL ARMS TRADEDetectives from the Operations Support Unit have arrested four law enforcement officers suspected of being behind an illegal arms and ammunition trade that has contributed to insecurity and violence in various parts
A follow-up operation led to the arrest of Constable Mutongu, who was found with 19 assorted firearm magazines, firing pins, cleaning kits, and three spent 9mm cartridges.
Constable Ileli was also seized in possession of a Remington Rand Model 1911 pistol and two Ceska pistol firing pins.
The four suspects have since been processed and will be arraigned on Monday, September 29, 2025.
The National Police Service (NPS) said it would not hesitate to act against rogue officers undermining public safety.
“We are committed to cracking down on anyone who fuels violence through the illegal arms trade,” NPS said in a statement, pledging further action against officers who betray public trust.
