Police in Kakuma, Turkana County, have arrested two suspects who were attempting to sell an illegal firearm in a swift and coordinated operation that underscored ongoing efforts to combat illegal arms trafficking in the region.
Acting on intelligence gathered through community tip-offs, the police launched a well-planned sting operation on Wednesday, targeting the suspects believed to be part of a wider gun-smuggling network.
The suspects, both adult males, were apprehended while attempting to sell the firearm to an undercover officer posing as a buyer.
According to Turkana County Police Commander Samuel Ndanyi, the weapon—a loaded AK-47 rifle—was recovered during the operation.
Authorities believe the suspects may have sourced the firearm from across the border, highlighting the persistent threat of arms smuggling along Kenya’s porous northern borders.
“This arrest is a significant step in our efforts to keep illegal weapons off our streets. We will continue to pursue and dismantle any network involved in the trade of illicit firearms,” Ndanyi stated.
Police are now interrogating the suspects to gather more information on the origin of the weapon and potential accomplices.
They are expected to be arraigned in court once investigations are complete.
Local leaders have praised the police for their quick action, urging continued vigilance to ensure safety and security in the area, which hosts a large refugee population and is often vulnerable to cross-border criminal activities.
The swift operation serves as a warning to those involved in the illegal arms trade, reinforcing the government’s commitment to curbing the spread of weapons that fuel insecurity and violence in vulnerable communities.
The public has also been urged to report any suspicious activities that may aid in combating crime in the region.
By Kenyans