Detectives have arrested a National Police Reserve (NPR) officer and recovered an AK-47 rifle linked to a series of robberies in the Kirindini area of Igembe South, Meru County.

In a statement posted on its official X account on Sunday, December 21, 2025, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the individual is part of a larger gang implicated in a violent robbery that occurred on December 19, 2025, at Kirindini Shopping Centre.

“In a meticulously coordinated operation, detectives from Igembe South, Igembe North, and Mutuati sub-counties have apprehended a National Police Reserve (NPR) officer and recovered an AK-47 rifle linked to a series of robberies in Kirindine area of Igembe South,” the DCI stated.

Coordinated operation

According to DCI, the arrest followed a carefully planned operation that saw detectives from three sub-counties work together to track down the suspect.

Acting on crucial leads, the team proceeded to the villages of Kina Meru, Kiutine, and Kina-Duba, where they successfully apprehended the officer.

“Through crucial leads, the team of detectives proceeded to the villages of Kina Meru, Kiutine, and Kina-Duba, culminating in the arrest of the officer,” DCI said.

Weapon recovery

Upon interrogation, DCI disclosed that the officer revealed the location where he had buried an AK-47 rifle that was reportedly used in the robbery incident.

This led to the detectives recovering the weapon along with a magazine containing two rounds of 7.62 x 39 mm ammunition from the hidden location.

“Upon questioning, he revealed the location where he had buried an AK-47 rifle, a weapon that was reportedly used in the robbery incident. Alongside the rifle, detectives recovered a magazine containing two rounds of 7.62 x 39 mm ammunition,” the statement read.

In addition, detectives confiscated the official Government G3 rifle that had been issued to the NPR officer, along with one magazine.

Ongoing manhunt

DCI stated that the officer is currently in custody, undergoing processing ahead of arraignment in court.

However, they confirmed that operations are ongoing to track down and apprehend his accomplices, who remain at large.

“He is currently in custody, undergoing processing pending arraignment. Meanwhile, the operation is ongoing to trail and apprehend his accomplices who remain at large,” DCI stated.

The investigative agency further emphasised its commitment to public safety during the festive season, warning that it has intensified operations countrywide to combat crime.

“As Kenyans celebrate the festive season, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations has intensified operations countrywide and will act swiftly and decisively against criminals to safeguard lives, property, and public peace,” the statement concluded.