GSU armoury cop detained over 2,000 bullets

A senior GSU inspector accused of illegal possession of 2,040 bullets for AK-47s has been ordered detained for seven days at Ruai police station.

Inspector David Okoth Opiyo from the GSU Training School B campus was also denied bail as prosecution said he could interfere with police witnesses.

A similar cache of 2,640 bullets was recovered last month by rangers from West Gate Community Conservancy in Laikipia.

Police said they believe the latest haul, contained in an abandoned car, was also destined for Laikipia where a military-backed operation is underway to end clashes over land.

In an affidavit seeking detention, DCI George Oswe told chief magistrate Angelo Kithinji on Thursday last week that the accused surrendered at NPS Embakasi B campus.

He was arrested for alleged illegal possession of ammunition. He is in charge of the armoury at Embakasi.

"The offence occurred on September 15 along the Eastern Bypass. Ammunition was recovered from his grey Mitsubishi Lancer, KAT 887G," Oswe said. The vehicle had been sprayed with bullets and abandoned.

He said investigators would rely on the accused to assist in investigations.

Police also recovered two mobile phones and identification papers in the name of David Okoth Opiyo. The phones will be sent for forensic analysis.

More suspects are likely to be arrested in connection with the illegal possession of ammunition, Oswe said.

He said if the suspect receives bail he is likely to jeopardise investigations by tampering with witnesses, most of them his colleagues at the training school.

(Edited by V. Graham)