Police Intensify manhunt in Loiyangalani after NPR officer loses G3 rifle

Security officers in Loiyangalani Sub-County, Marsabit County, have intensified a manhunt for suspects accused of attacking a National Police Reservist (NPR) officer and making away with a G3 rifle on Monday evening in the Rarashe area.

Confirming the incident, Marsabit County Police Commander Leonard Kimaiyo said NPR officers had earlier gone to the home of a suspect wanted in connection with a defilement case with the intention of arresting him. However, the suspect resisted arrest.

According to Kimaiyo, the suspect sought assistance from his associates in an attempt to evade capture, leading to a fierce exchange of gunfire between the group and security officers.

The police commander said the suspects later fled after running out of ammunition, abandoning two firearms an AK-47 rifle and an FN rifle which were subsequently recovered by officers from Loiyangalani Police Station.

Kimaiyo further said that later on Monday evening, the same suspects allegedly ambushed an NPR officer, assaulted him and robbed him of a G3 rifle before escaping.

Police have since launched an intensive operation to track down the suspects and recover the stolen firearm. The manhunt is ongoing.