What began as deception inside Kitale Police Station ended in a turnaround after officers from Sibanga Police Station recovered a police firearm that had been stolen from an unsuspecting officer by an imposter posing as a newly posted officer.

The incident took place on Wednesday, May 20, when a man dressed in a police raincoat, claiming to be a newly posted officer from Eldoret, went into Kitale Police Station.

The suspect is said to have spoken to the night guard, PC Ishmael Kimutai, in the presence of PC Cornelius Kiplimo and Cpl Jeremiah Rotich, who was on duty, claiming he was searching for accommodation within the police lines.

Following a brief interaction, the police say the suspect requested to be directed to a place where he could buy food, prompting PC Kimutai to escort him to a nearby hotel.

According to the OB report, the suspect allegedly asked PC Kimutai to help him carry his Stryer rifle, serial number 3177302, which was loaded with 25 rounds of 9mm ammunition, as they walked toward the shops.

Police said the officer handed over the firearm moments before the suspect jumped onto a waiting motorcycle and sped off toward Kitale Town.

A swift response from the security teams ignited an intensive manhunt for the imposter and the missing weapon.

“Thanks to vigilant members of the public who refused to let this criminal act go unchecked, credible intel flowed to the officers,” DCI said in a statement.

Acting on this intel, the Sibanga officers launched a targeted raid that led them to Sokomoko Village in Sitatunga Location, Trans Nzoia East Sub-county, arresting 22-year-old Brian Kibet.

Upon conducting a quick search, Kibet was found in possession of the stolen Steyr rifle, loaded with twenty-five rounds of 9mm ammunition, and ready for action.

Kibet was taken into custody, where he is undergoing processing pending arraignment.