A suspected police impersonator is in custody after detectives arrested him during a security operation at Yaya Centre in Nairobi, recovering a firearm, 100 rounds of ammunition, forged police credentials and other law enforcement equipment.
The suspect, Philemon Kiplangat Chepkwony, was arrested in the early hours of Monday after detectives responded to a distress call at L’Arc Casino within Yaya Centre in Kilimani.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), officers found Chepkwony inside a black motor vehicle, registration KCJ 468z, before conducting a search that uncovered a cache of police-related items.
Among the exhibits recovered from the vehicle were a CZ 75 SP-01 pistol, an empty 9mm magazine, a pair of handcuffs, a forged Certificate of Appointment identifying the suspect as a Police Constable and a fake firearm certificate.
More Ammunition
Following his arrest, detectives interrogated the suspect, who subsequently led them to his rented house in Waluku VIllage, Dagoretti North.
A further search at the residence resulted in the recovery of 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition, neatly packed in two boxes containing 50 rounds each.
The firearm, ammunition and all recovered items have been seized as exhibits as investigators seek to establish whether the suspect acted alone or was part of a wider criminal network.
Detectives Probe Source of Firearm
The suspect remains in police custody as detectives intensify investigations into the origin of the firearm and ammunition, the authenticity of the forged police documents and the extent of his alleged impersonation activities.
Authorities are also examining whether the suspect may have used the fake credentials to commit offences while posing as a police officer.
The impounded motor vehicle is also being examined as part of the ongoing investigation.
Police have urged members of the public to remain vigilant and report anyone suspected of unlawfully posing as a law enforcement officer.
