Police in Kigumo Sub-County have made a major breakthrough in cracking down on the misuse of government-issued security gear.
Acting on intelligence, officers from Kangari Police Station arrested a suspect found in possession of several pieces of stolen police attire, including jungle trousers, a shirt with a corporal’s chevron, and a blue police jersey.
The uniforms are believed to have been stolen from a station in Nyamira North and were recovered more than 180 kilometers away. Authorities are now working to trace the full network involved.
Investigation Uncovers Stolen Police Uniforms Network
The arrest highlights the growing threat posed by the unauthorised possession of police uniforms. Police investigators are probing how the stolen gear traveled from Nyamira North to Murang’a and whether additional individuals are involved in the operation.
Detectives say the uniforms were being hoarded for potential criminal activity. These items allow criminals to impersonate officers, gaining trust from unsuspecting citizens while carrying out robberies and other illegal acts. The discovery comes amid heightened concern over public safety, following similar incidents in other counties.
Arrested Suspect Linked to Past Crimes
The Kangari Police Station team recovered the uniforms after acting on specific intelligence. The suspect is currently in custody, and police are combing through further leads to determine the full extent of the operation.
Authorities point to past incidents, including a 2022 robbery in Matungulu, Machakos County. CCTV footage showed suspects wearing police attire robbing a petrol station and locking employees in a washroom. Such cases underscore the dangers of stolen police uniforms falling into the wrong hands.
Police Warn Public and Reinforce Security Measures
The National Police Service issued a stern warning against the unauthorised possession of police gear. Officials noted that such offences not only breach the law but also put public safety at risk.
Police urged citizens to report any suspicious individuals wearing uniforms without proper identification. This vigilance is crucial in preventing crimes carried out by impostors who exploit public trust in uniformed officers.
Commitment to Safeguarding Government Property
Inspector General Kanja and the National Police hierarchy reaffirmed their commitment to protecting official property. Authorities stated that individuals involved in stealing or trafficking police uniforms will face full legal consequences.
More details are expected as investigators continue tracing the route through which the uniforms moved from Nyamira North to Murang’a. Police are determined to dismantle networks that distribute stolen police uniforms and prevent future incidents that threaten the public.
