Detectives probe raid, robbery of reservist's gun

G3 assault rifles. [iStockphoto]

The police in Kakuma are investigating an incident where unknown suspects raided a World Food Programme (WFP) compound and stole a gun from a police reservist.

The suspects are said to have gained entry to the WFP yard in Kalobeyei, waylaid a guard and managed to snatch a loaded rifle before fleeing the scene.

It was reported that the gang accessed the compound by climbing over the gate. , No one was injured during the raid.

“It all happened so quickly. Two suspects stormed the WFP Rubble’s facility. I saw them escape holding a gun,” said a refugee, who didn’t want to be mentioned due to fear of victimisation.

The armed robbery has raised significant concerns among the refugee community and locals over the safety and security of Kalobeyei village.

In response, security agencies have pledged to recover the lost gun and arrest the culprits behind the incident.

“We take this incident very seriously. Our officers have launched a thorough investigation to identify the robbers and bring them to justice. We will leave no stone unturned in the pursuit of the culprits,” declared Turkana West Sub-county Commander Richard Moracha.

Turkana West sub-county detective Charles Murithy said officers are interrogating witnesses.

“The cooperation of the community is vital in resolving this case. We urge anyone with information to come forward and assist us in our efforts,” he said.

Residents of Kalobeyei village, who had raised concerns over the rising crime rates in recent months, are hopeful that the investigation will yield positive results.

“Incidents like this have shattered our sense of security. We place our trust in the authorities to apprehend the culprits and restore peace to our community,” said Sarah Ali, a resident.

Early this month, the police arrested a woman in Kalobeyei and recovered an AK-47 rifle in an operation to unmask a gang operating in Kakuma.