22-year-old Brian Kibet,after he was arrested
Sibanga Officers Recover Stolen Police Firearm After Dramatic Manhunt
What began as a shocking act of deception at Kitale Police Station ended in a major breakthrough after officers from Sibanga Police Station recovered a stolen police firearm and arrested a suspect who had allegedly posed as a newly posted police officer.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, when a man dressed in a police raincoat walked into Kitale Police Station claiming to be a newly posted officer from Eldoret. Blending in with ease, the suspect struck up conversations with officers on gate duty and sought assistance in securing accommodation within the police line.
Appearing friendly and familiar, the man reportedly requested to be shown a nearby place where he could get food. In a gesture of goodwill and camaraderie, officers accompanied him to a nearby hotel, unaware they were dealing with an imposter.
As they walked, the suspect allegedly convinced one of the officers to help carry his luggage. In a swift and calculated move, he reportedly made away with the officer’s loaded Steyr rifle containing 25 rounds of 9mm ammunition before jumping onto a waiting motorcycle and fleeing the scene.
The daring theft triggered an immediate security operation, with officers launching an intensive manhunt to trace both the suspect and the missing firearm.
A breakthrough came after members of the public provided crucial information that guided investigators. Acting on the intelligence, officers from Sibanga Police Station conducted a targeted operation in Sokomoko Village, Sitatunga Location in Trans Nzoia East Sub-county, where they arrested 22-year-old Brian Kibet.
Police said a search led to the recovery of the stolen Steyr rifle, still loaded with 25 rounds of 9mm ammunition.
The suspect was taken into custody and is undergoing processing pending arraignment in court.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) commended members of the public for providing timely information that aided in the recovery of the firearm and arrest of the suspect, saying the incident highlights the importance of cooperation between law enforcement agencies and the public in combating crime.
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