ADVERT 
ADVERTDetectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested a man suspected of impersonating a police officer during a sting operation at Yaya Centre in Nairobi’s Kilimani area, recovering a firearm, fake police credentials and a cache of ammunition.
The suspect, identified as Kiplangat Chepkwony, was arrested on Monday, August 3, after detectives responded to a distress call from a casino operating within the popular shopping mall.
According to the DCI, investigators swiftly traced the suspect to a vehicle he was using, where they uncovered several items commonly associated with law enforcement officers, raising concerns about the extent of his alleged impersonation activities.
Among the exhibits recovered from the vehicle were a CZ 75 SP-01 pistol, an empty 9mm magazine, a pair of handcuffs, a fake Certificate of Appointment (COA) identifying the suspect as a Police Constable, and a counterfeit firearm certificate.
The arrest marked the beginning of a broader investigation as detectives sought to establish whether the suspect had been using the fake identity to commit crimes or deceive members of the public.
ADVERTFollowing his arrest, Chepkwony reportedly led detectives to his rented residence in Waluku Village, Dagoretti North, where officers recovered an additional 100 rounds of 9mm ammunition packed in two boxes containing 50 rounds each.
The discovery significantly escalated the case, prompting investigators to widen their probe into the origin of the firearm and ammunition.
The DCI said detectives are working to establish how the suspect acquired the weapon and whether he was linked to a wider criminal network or other cases involving police impersonation.
The suspect is currently being processed ahead of his arraignment in court, where he is expected to face charges of illegal possession of a firearm contrary to Section 4(3) of the Firearms Act, among other possible offences related to impersonation and possession of forged government documents.
Investigators have indicated that additional charges could follow depending on the outcome of ongoing investigations.
The arrest comes at a time when security agencies are grappling with an increase in armed criminal incidents, including cases involving suspects posing as police officers to gain public trust before committing offences.
The operation also follows the DCI’s ongoing investigation into the fatal shooting of Dr. Victoria Nthunya Mutiso in Nairobi’s Upper Hill area. Detectives believe the doctor had requested an Uber ride shortly before the incident, with homicide investigators and forensic experts continuing to pursue all available leads.
The latest arrest underscores the DCI’s intensified efforts to dismantle illegal firearm networks and crack down on individuals masquerading as law enforcement officers, as authorities urge members of the public to remain vigilant and report suspicious activity to security agencies.
