Apolice officer attached to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) in Starehe, Nairobi, has been arrested after two women were found in possession of a firearm whose photo was posted on WhatsApp.
The incident came to light after one of the women updated her WhatsApp status with an image of a Canik pistol, boasting that no man could leave her without facing serious consequences.
The post quickly caught the attention of detectives from the Crime Research and Intelligence Bureau in Nyanza, who, along with officers from DCI Nyando, launched an investigation.
Officers tracked the woman down to Awasi town in Kisumu County, where she was arrested. She later led the police to a rental house belonging to her friend, who also became a suspect in the case.
During a thorough search of the premises, officers discovered the pistol hidden in a basin under a bed, wrapped in clothing. The magazine was empty.
In addition to the weapon, a counterfeit motorcycle number plate was also recovered from the scene. Both women were taken into custody and are awaiting formal charges.
When questioned, the suspects claimed that the pistol belonged to a DCI officer who was on duty in Nairobi at the time.
Investigators located and arrested the officer, who was later transported to Nyando for further questioning.
Authorities are working to trace the origin of the firearm and determine if it has been used in any criminal activities.
Police say the case is being treated as an isolated incident and should not reflect on the integrity of the broader service.
However, it comes amid growing concern over rising gun-related crimes in the region. Law enforcement agencies have since ramped up operations to combat the surge in armed robberies and other related offenses.
