Police in Lokichogio, Turkana County, have arrested two young men after they were found with an AK-47 rifle. The suspects, identified as Lopua Ekuyen, 18, and Lokal Chara, 19, were apprehended following a tip-off from concerned members of the public.
A swift response by Lokichogio Police officers led to the arrest of the two, who were found with an AK-47 rifle that had an empty magazine. The young men are currently in custody, undergoing processing as they await to be arraigned in court on Monday, April 28, 2025. The recovered weapon, along with the empty magazine, has been secured and will be presented as evidence in court.
The arrest of Ekuyen and Chara underscores the ongoing concerns around illegal firearms in the region. Turkana County, being close to international borders, has historically grappled with issues of arms trafficking, often leading to insecurity within the area. Authorities have emphasized the crucial role that public cooperation plays in curbing the circulation of illegal weapons.
The Lokichogio incident follows a similar recovery in Isiolo County, where police managed to seize two AK-47 rifles believed to have been involved in a recent fatal attack. In a coordinated operation at Lemorijo Village in the Lengurma location, Isiolo North sub-county, law enforcement officers retrieved the firearms, which were also found with empty magazines.
The operation in Isiolo was initiated in response to a brutal assault that took place on April 7, 2025. During that attack, three National Police Reservists (NPR) from Igembe North, Meru County, were fatally shot by armed raiders. Investigators believe that the weapons recovered during the operation were the same ones used during the deadly assault.
The breakthrough in Isiolo was made possible through collaboration between specialized crime investigation teams, local administrative leaders, and community members. It highlights the importance of a combined effort between law enforcement and civilians in combating insecurity and tracking down individuals involved in violent crimes.
The recovered rifles from both Lokichogio and Isiolo cases are being treated as critical exhibits, as investigations into both incidents continue. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to dismantling networks responsible for arms trafficking and ensuring that those found in possession of illegal firearms are brought to justice.
Security officials are urging the public to remain vigilant and to continue sharing information that could assist in identifying individuals or groups involved in criminal activities. They have assured that all tips will be treated with the utmost confidentiality to protect informants.
These incidents also bring to light the broader challenge of arms proliferation in northern Kenya, an issue that has contributed significantly to insecurity and inter-community conflicts. The government, through its security agencies, has been stepping up operations aimed at recovering illegal firearms and neutralizing armed threats.
As investigations into both the Lokichogio and Isiolo cases advance, authorities are expected to intensify patrols and intelligence-gathering efforts across regions vulnerable to such threats. The successful recovery of the weapons serves as a reminder of the critical role that timely information and community cooperation play in enhancing security.
