Detectives from the Operations Support Unit (OSU) have arrested four law enforcement officers accused of running an illegal arms and ammunition network that has fueled insecurity across the country.

The suspects include Assistant Superintendent of Prisons Ekidor Lotira Charles, stationed in Turkana; Corporal Isaac Kipngetich, attached to Turkana County Police Headquarters; Police Constable Ileli Cyrus Kisamwa, an armorer at the Central Firearms Stores in Industrial Area; and Constable Samson Muriithi Mutongu, a storeman also based at the same depot.

According to investigators, the arrests followed days of intelligence-led operations involving profiling, close surveillance, and forensic tracking.

Breakthrough in Surveillance Operation

The OSU team reportedly struck a breakthrough when Cpl. Kipngetich was caught red-handed receiving a delivery of 1,000 rounds of ammunition from Constables Ileli and Mutongu.

The consignment, detectives revealed, was intended for ASP Lotira.

Following this interception, officers pursued further leads and arrested Constable Mutongu, who was found with a stockpile of military-grade items.

Arms and Ammunition Seized

Among the seized exhibits were 19 assorted firearm magazines, firing pins, cleaning kits, and three spent 9mm cartridges.

Meanwhile, Constable Ileli was also arrested after detectives discovered he was in possession of a Remington Rand Model 1911 pistol as well as two Ceska pistol firing pins.

These discoveries confirmed investigators’ suspicions that the group had been siphoning state-owned arms into illegal channels.

“The suspects have been processed and will be presented before court on Monday, September 29, 2025,” a senior officer close to the investigations confirmed.

Authorities say the illicit trade orchestrated by rogue officers has contributed to rising cases of armed crime and communal violence in several regions.

By exploiting their access to state armories, the suspects are believed to have supplied criminal gangs and conflict hotspots with ammunition meant to be securely stored.⁹

Police Condemn Betrayal of Trust

In a statement, the National Police Service (NPS) condemned the actions of the officers, emphasizing that betrayal of public trust by security personnel would not be tolerated.

“The Service will continue to take decisive action against any officer who undermines national security by engaging in criminal activities,” the statement read in part.

The arrests highlight growing concerns about the infiltration of criminal networks within security institutions and the danger posed when trusted officers turn into suppliers of violence.

Investigators say more suspects could be pursued as the probe widens to dismantle the illegal supply chain.

As the four officers await arraignment, authorities have reassured the public of their commitment to rooting out rogue elements within law enforcement to safeguard peace and stability.

A collage of weapons recovered from police Suspects Implicated in Military Grade Weapons trafficking. PHOTO/ DCI X