Suspect on the Run as Police Recover G3 Riffle in Trans Nzoia County

Police in Trans Nzoia County are in pursuit of a suspect who fled the scene after authorities recovered a G3 rifle and 18 rounds of ammunition.

In a statement on Saturday, July 26, the National Police Service said the dramatic recovery followed a tip-off from a concerned employer who believed one of their workers was in possession of an illegal firearm.

"Yesterday, Friday, July 25, police officers at Maili Saba Police Station received a report from an employer who suspected that one of their employees was in possession of an illegal firearm,” the statement read.

According to NPS, officers from Maili Saba Police Station, led by the Officer Commanding Station (OCS), responded swiftly and launched a targeted search operation on the premises.

"In response, officers led by the Officer Commanding Station (OCS) swiftly proceeded to the scene, where they conducted an extensive search that led to the recovery of a G3 rifle loaded with 18 rounds of ammunition," the statement added.

The weapon had been discreetly hidden in a hen coop, raising fears of possible criminal activity involving illegal arms in the area.

"The weapon had been concealed between two unmounted flat doors in an unused hen coop. Officers are currently in pursuit of the suspect, an employee at the premises, who fled the scene," the statement further read.

Security officials are now intensifying efforts to track down the suspect.

In a separate incident, chaos erupted near the Turkwel River Bridge in Kainuk, Turkana County, after a group of unidentified assailants ambushed traders at a local livestock market.

"On 25 July 2025, a group of unidentified assailants violently attacked traders at a livestock market near Sarmach Junction, close to the Turkwel River Bridge in Kainuk, using crude weapons and stones. The attack forced the traders to flee for their safety," NPS said.

The attackers allegedly made off with dozens of livestock during the commotion, prompting an urgent response by a multi-agency patrol team operating in the area.

"In response, a multi-agency patrol team swiftly arrived at the scene and recovered 22 head of cattle and 18 goats, which are believed to have been stolen during the incident," NPS added. 

The animals were later taken to the GSU Lami Nyeusi camp, where owners were able to identify and reclaim their livestock.

"The recovered livestock were moved to the GSU Lami Nyeusi camp, where rightful owners identified and reclaimed their animals under the supervision of National Government Administrative Officers (NGAO)," NPS further said.

NPS confirmed that the multi-agency team remains on the ground, actively searching for both the remaining stolen livestock and the individuals behind the violent raid.

"The multi-agency team remains deployed in the area, continuing efforts to locate the remaining stolen livestock and apprehend the perpetrators," NPS added.