MERU, Kenya — Detectives have arrested a National Police Reserve (NPR) officer and recovered an AK-47 rifle linked to a series of robberies in Igembe South, in an operation that has raised fresh concerns about misuse of state-issued firearms by security personnel.
In a statement on Sunday, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the officer was apprehended following a coordinated operation by detectives drawn from Igembe South, Igembe North, and Mutuati sub-counties.
The arrest is connected to a robbery with violence reported on December 19, 2025, at Kirindini Shopping Centre.
According to the DCI, investigators tracked the suspect through what they described as “crucial leads,” moving across several villages, including Kina Meru, Kiutine and Kina-Duba, before effecting the arrest.
The suspect is alleged to be part of a larger criminal gang that carried out the brazen robbery in the Kirindine area.
During interrogation, detectives said the officer disclosed the location where he had buried an AK-47 rifle believed to have been used during the robbery. Officers recovered the weapon along with a magazine containing two rounds of 7.62 x 39 mm ammunition.
In addition to the concealed rifle, detectives also confiscated a Government-issued G3 rifle that had been officially allocated to the NPR officer, together with one magazine.
The recovery of two separate firearms—one concealed and one officially issued—has intensified scrutiny of internal controls over weapons assigned to reservists.
The suspect remains in custody and is undergoing processing ahead of arraignment in court. The DCI said operations are ongoing to track down and arrest other suspects linked to the robbery who are still at large.
“As Kenyans celebrate the festive season, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations has intensified operations countrywide and will act swiftly and decisively against criminals to safeguard lives, property, and public peace,” the agency said.
The case highlights longstanding concerns around the National Police Reserve, a force established to support regular police operations, particularly in rural and insecure areas.
While NPR officers play a critical role in community security, past incidents have prompted calls for tighter vetting, training, and oversight, especially regarding firearms management.
Security analysts note that robberies involving automatic weapons significantly heighten risks to civilians and responding officers.
“When state-issued or military-grade firearms find their way into criminal activity, it signals a systemic failure that must be addressed beyond individual prosecutions,” said a Nairobi-based security expert.
Under Kenyan law, robbery with violence carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment, while unlawful possession or misuse of firearms by a licensed officer can attract additional charges under the Firearms Act and the Penal Code.
As investigations continue, the arrest is likely to fuel debate on accountability within auxiliary security units and the safeguards required to prevent abuse of trust by armed officers, particularly during peak travel and festive periods when criminal activity often spikes.
