- IG Japhet Koome said the officers, one of the rank of Chief Inspector and the other a Constable, were stationed at Sondu Anti-Stock Theft Unit camp.
- The other two suspects arrested earlier following the discovery of the munitions on April 8, 2024, are a man and his wife.
Image: FILE
Two officers from the Anti-Stock Theft Unit have been detained until April 25 pending arraignment in relation to alleged sale of ammunition to criminals in Laikipia County.
In a statement on Monday, Inspector General of Police Japhet Koome said the officers, one of the rank of Chief Inspector and the other a Constable, were stationed at Sondu Anti-Stock Theft Unit camp in the county.
“The officers were arraigned before court today, April 22, 2024, in a miscellaneous application seeking custody of the abused persons for a period of four days which was granted," Koome said.
He said their arrest and arraignment brings to four the number of suspects in police custody in relation to the recovery of 2,658 rounds of ammunition in Laikipia County.
The other two suspects who were arrested on April 8, 2024, following the discovery of the munitions are a man and his wife.
"All the four suspects will now appear before the Kibera Law Court on Friday, April 26, 2024,” Koome said.
He said in the meantime, the officers remain suspended from the National Police Service (NPS).
The police boss cautioned the public from engaging in unauthorised purchase, possession, manufacture and sale of firearms and ammunition and instead report such criminal activities to the nearest police station.
He said such reports can alternatively be relayed to the police via toll-free hotlines 999, 911 and 112 or via FichuaKwaDCI 0800-722-2-23.
The IG said the National Police Service remains committed to strive for the highest standards of professionalism in the service and amongst its officers.
“In addition, we wish to assure the public that stern action will be taken against any officer involved in such unethical conduct regardless of rank,” Koome said.
On April 18, police said in a statement that they had the previous day recovered 2,658 bullets at Minjore area in Kirima subcounty of Laikipia county.
NPS said the recovery followed an intelligence-led operation in the county as authorities stepped up efforts to recover illegal guns owned by bandits in bandit-prone areas.
“The National Police Service thanks the public for the success of this intelligence-led operation," the police said.
Laikipia is one of the counties marred by banditry and livestock rustling in Kenya.