Police in Meru have launched a man hunt of a man suspected of stealing a firearm at a Police station in Nyeri county.
The firearm, a G3, was discovered missing from the police station in September 2023 and was recovered in the suspect’s house, who has since been identified as George Mutembei.
Mutembei fled his home after getting wind that police were in the area, leaving the firearm in the hands of his wife.
“A G3 police firearm that was in September 2023 discovered missing after scrutiny of the arms movement of Kiaruyu Police Post in Mathira East, Nyeri County has been recovered. The rifle was recovered at a suspect’s house within Ndunyuruma village of Rwarela-Buuri East in Meru County, by a team of DCI Operations detectives backed up by their counterparts from Mugae Police Post.
“A male suspect believed to be part of a gang that has since been placed in custody in connection with theft of another police firearm (AK47) got wind of the police presence in the area and escaped, leaving behind the rifle in the hands of his 30-year-old wife Priscilla Ntinyari,” the police report stated.
Police have also arrested another suspect who has been linked to the stolen rifle case.
“Another suspect, Joseph Muriungi M’nabea, 40 was also arrested as a person of interest in the case, and interrogations are ongoing to determine his relations with the escapee identified as George Mutembei.
“The recovery of the G3 rifle comes days after an AK47 stolen from Kabonge Police Station in Kirinyaga on February 2, 2024 was recovered with 18 rounds of ammunition, following an ongoing all-out war on armed gangs across the country. Search for George Mutembei has been heightened as the arrested duo face the law,” DCI said.
STOLEN POLICE RIFLE RECOVERED IN MERU
A G3 police firearm that was in September 2023 discovered missing after scrutiny of the arms movement of Kiaruyu Police Post in Mathira East, Nyeri County has been recovered.
The rifle was recovered at a suspect’s house within Ndunyuruma… pic.twitter.com/ZFyXpC4bTx
— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) February 14, 2024