In the heart of Kisumu City’s bustling Central Business District, along the ever-busy St. Otieno Oyoo Street, what began as an ordinary patrol turned into a dramatic morning encounter that could have easily spiraled into tragedy.
Officers from the Kisumu Central Patrol Team popularly known by their call sign Delta Sierra, intercepted an armed suspect in a daring robbery attempt that culminated in the recovery of an AK-47 rifle.
According to police reports, the patrol officers were conducting their regular morning rounds when a sudden gunshot split the air near Patel Sarmaj, a prominent business premise in the area.
Acting swiftly, the officers rushed to the scene only to find a shaken security guard, Mr. Bernard Onyango, who had moments earlier been attacked and robbed at gunpoint.
The suspect, later identified as Mr. Kelvin Oduor, also known as Kevo, a 21-year-old male, had robbed the guard of his mobile phone (an Itel make), a pair of rubber shoes and even tied his hands with a piece of cloth in a brazen act of intimidation. However, upon spotting the police officers, the suspect opened fire in a desperate attempt to flee.
What followed was a tense chase through the urban labyrinth of Kisumu’s CBD. With precision and courage, the officers pursued the suspect, tracing his escape route to the rooftop of the Patel Sarmaj building.
In a surprising twist, the young man was found hiding inside a water storage drum, a desperate attempt to evade capture. Despite resisting arrest, he was successfully subdued by the officers.
A thorough search at the scene led to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle, serial number 94883, fitted with a magazine containing five rounds of 7.62mm special ammunition.
One spent cartridge was also retrieved, confirming that the firearm had indeed been discharged during the confrontation. The scene was promptly processed by the Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) team from Kisumu Central, ensuring all forensic evidence was meticulously preserved.
The suspect was later escorted to the Kisumu Central Police Station, where he remains in custody pending further investigation by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI).
This incident underscores the unwavering commitment of Kisumu’s law enforcement officers to maintaining public safety amid rising urban crime challenges.
Their quick response and tactical restraint prevented what could have escalated into a fatal shootout in a crowded commercial zone.
Such operations also highlight the growing threat of illegal firearms within civilian spaces, an issue that calls for enhanced intelligence coordination and proactive policing.
The recovery of an AK-47 rifle in the heart of Kisumu City is a grim reminder that criminals are becoming increasingly audacious and well-armed.
Beyond the immediate heroics, the Kisumu Central incident raises broader questions about youth involvement in violent crime.
At just 21, Kelvin Oduor’s descent into armed robbery reflects a deeper social malaise including unemployment, drug abuse and lack of mentorship. Unless such root causes are addressed, the police will remain caught in a recurring cycle of arrests and recoveries.
The swift action of the Delta Sierra patrol team, however, offers a glimmer of hope. It demonstrates that with vigilance, community cooperation and professionalism, security forces can stay a step ahead of criminal networks.
As investigations continue, Kisumu residents can take solace in knowing that their police officers are not only alert but also prepared to act decisively in the face of danger.
The recovery of the AK-47 is more than a successful operation. It is a testament to the bravery and commitment of Kenya’s law enforcement officers who, each day, place their lives on the line to safeguard peace.
