An M16 rifle suspected to have been used in a series of four murders across Isiolo and neighboring Meru County has been recovered during an intelligence-led multi-agency operation in Isiolo.
The firearm, which was loaded with five rounds of 5.56*45mm ammunition, was recovered in the Kakili area of Burat Location by a joint team comprising police officers from Isiolo County, National Police Reservists (NPRs) and National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs).
Police said the operation was conducted after officers received actionable intelligence.
The M16 rifle is suspected to be linked to notorious bandit Aloise Lochuchu, alias “Akoo” who was recently charged with robbery with violence.
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The recovery has prompted detectives to investigate the firearm’s possible connection to four separate murder cases reported in Isiolo and Meru counties.
M16 Rifle Probed Over Four Murders
According to police, the cases under investigation include the January 26, 2025 murder at Maili Tatu in Meru County and the July 20, 2025 killing of a businesswoman in Isiolo town’s Central Business District.
Detectives are also examining the December 24, 2025 murder at Sakama Bar in Isiolo town and the February 18, 2026 killing of a deputy principal at Leparua in Isiolo North Sub-County.
The recovery is expected to provide detectives with an important piece of evidence as they establish whether the firearm was used in the four killings and determine whether it may have been involved in other crimes.
The rifle has been secured at the Isiolo Police Station armoury and will be forwarded to the National Forensic Laboratory for ballistic examination.
The ballistic analysis is expected to help investigators determine whether the firearm matches evidence recovered from the various crime scenes.
Police said the recovery demonstrates the importance of actionable intelligence and cooperation between communities and security agencies in efforts to combat crime.
