Kisumu residents were left in shock after a 21-year-old man armed with an AK-47 engaged police officers in a dramatic shootout near the Patel Samaj Temple along Otieno Oyoo Street. The incident, which unfolded on Monday morning, caused panic among residents and worshippers in the area.
According to Kisumu Central Deputy Sub-County Police Commandant Bakari Mwanauli, the confrontation began when officers noticed the young man and two others carrying a suspicious-looking bag. Upon spotting the officers, the suspect reportedly drew an assault rifle and opened fire, forcing police to take cover and respond.
“This morning, we had an incident at around the Patel Samaj Temple along Otieno Oyoo Street. One of the assailants had a bag that drew suspicion. Upon spotting the officers, he withdrew an assault rifle and started shooting at them,” said Mwanauli.
In the ensuing chaos, the suspect allegedly stormed into the temple compound, held a security guard at gunpoint, and robbed him of his mobile phone and other valuables before tying him up. Witnesses described scenes of panic as the gunman climbed to the rooftop, positioning himself near a water tank while firing at the police below.
A combined team of officers on patrol and those from the Kisumu Central Police Station managed to subdue and arrest the suspect after a tense standoff. Police recovered an AK-47 rifle and five rounds of ammunition.
Preliminary investigations suggest the weapon may have been used in several recent robberies within Kisumu. The suspect is currently in custody as police pursue his two accomplices who fled the scene.
Kisumu has witnessed similar violent incidents in the past, including a 2021 shooting involving a stolen police pistol and the 2024 killing of a DCI officer in Riat.
Authorities have urged residents to remain vigilant as investigations continue.
