An M16 rifle suspected to be linked to four separate murders in Isiolo and neighbouring Meru County has been recovered during an intelligence-led multi-agency operation.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), in a statement posted on its X account on Saturday, August 15, 2026, said the firearm was recovered in the Kakili area of Burat Location, Isiolo County.

The rifle, which was loaded with five rounds of 5.56×45mm ammunition, was recovered by a joint team comprising police officers from Isiolo County, National Police Reservists and National Government Administration Officers.

The DCI said the operation was based on “actionable intelligence” and linked the firearm to suspected bandit Aloise Lochuchu, alias “Akoo”, who was recently charged with robbery with violence.

Detectives are now investigating whether the M16 rifle was used in four killings reported between January 2025 and February 2026.

The cases under investigation include a murder at Maili Tatu in Meru County on January 26, 2025; the killing of a businesswoman in Isiolo Town on July 20, 2025; a murder at Sakama Bar in Isiolo on December 24, 2025; and the killing of a deputy principal at Leparua in Isiolo North Sub-County on February 18, 2026.

Describing the recovery as a breakthrough, the DCI said the firearm could provide detectives with crucial evidence as they seek to establish its connection to the killings and determine whether it was involved in other crimes.

“The recovery has opened a can of worms, with detectives now probing the firearm’s suspected links to four separate murder cases,” the agency said.

The rifle has been secured at the Isiolo Police Station armoury and will be forwarded to the National Forensic Laboratory for ballistic examination.

The DCI further emphasized the importance of intelligence and public cooperation in combating crime, urging members of the public to continue sharing information on suspected criminal activity through its Fichua Kwa DCI platform.