In the early hours of Monday, Nairobi police apprehended a man suspected of impersonating a police officer at a casino in the Kilimani area. The suspect, believed to be a former police officer, was found armed with a pistol inside a black vehicle.
Kilimani Police officers responded to a distress call around 2:30 am and arrested the individual. A search uncovered a CZ pistol, an empty 9mm magazine, handcuffs, a purported police constable appointment certificate, and a firearm licence allegedly linked to the suspect.
During questioning, the suspect revealed he had 100 rounds of ammunition at his rented home in Waruku Village, Dagoretti North. Police subsequently recovered the ammunition, packed in two boxes of 50 rounds each, from the residence.
The suspect is currently undergoing processing ahead of arraignment as investigations continue to determine the origin of the firearm and ammunition and to clarify the extent of the alleged impersonation. The recovered items, including the firearm, handcuffs, documents, and vehicle, have been seized for forensic examination.
Rising Cases of Impersonation
Authorities have noted an increase in incidents involving individuals impersonating government officials, with several arrests and ongoing investigations.
Separate Ammunition Recovery in Mowlem
In a related development, police recovered 320 rounds of various calibre ammunition and an imitation firearm from a rented house in Nairobi's Mowlem area. The discovery followed concerns raised by a caretaker about a tenant's unusual behaviour, including prolonged absence, late-night visits, and unpaid rent.
The recovered ammunition included 120 rounds of 9×19mm, 134 rounds of 5.56×45mm, and 66 rounds of 7.62×39mm. The imitation firearm and ammunition were secured at a police armoury as investigations continue to trace the tenant and others involved. No arrests have been made in this case.
