NAIROBI, Kenya – A police officer based in Turkana County has been remanded in custody after he was arraigned in court over the possession of more than 1,000 rounds of ammunition.
Corporal Isaac Kipngetich, an armourer at the Turkana County Police Headquarters, was arrested on Wednesday after officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) intercepted his Toyota Passo along Uhuru Highway at the Kenyatta Avenue roundabout.
According to investigators, intelligence reports indicated that the vehicle was ferrying illegal ammunition.
A subsequent search uncovered a sealed carton hidden in a black backpack containing 1,007 rounds of 5.56mm calibre ammunition.
Court documents revealed that Kipngetich was on annual leave from September 23 to November 11, 2025, and had no official authority to be in possession of the ammunition.
Prosecutors told the court that the bullets were suspected to be destined for use in violent crimes, including banditry, livestock raids, and murders in Turkana and neighbouring counties, areas long troubled by insecurity.
The prosecution argued that more time was needed to pursue critical leads, including recovering supply and receipt documents, recording statements from witnesses, subjecting the ammunition to ballistic and forensic tests, and analysing the officer’s mobile phones.
Investigators also said releasing the suspect could compromise ongoing operations and endanger witnesses.
The court directed that Kipngetich remain in custody until Monday, September 29, to allow him time to secure legal representation. The case will be mentioned again on that date.
