Kiambu County police have recovered a stolen G3 rifle after a suspect was fatally injured by members of the public in the Magana area of Thika East Sub-County.
The incident occurred on Wednesday, prompting a swift response from officers at Munyu Police Station.
According to the National Police Service, the firearm was recovered along with two magazines, 68 rounds of 7.62x51mm ammunition, blank rounds, a penknife, and other related items.
All items have been secured for forensic and ballistic examination as part of ongoing investigations.
Initial inquiries suggest the recovered rifle may be connected to a previous case involving a missing police firearm in the same sub-county.
Authorities are continuing to probe the circumstances surrounding both incidents to determine if they are linked.
Police emphasized the importance of lawful action, warning against mob justice.
“Members of the public are urged to report suspected criminal activities to the police instead of taking the law into their own hands,” the National Police Service said in a statement.
The recovered firearm highlights ongoing concerns over the circulation of illegal weapons in Kiambu County, a region that has in the past recorded incidents of armed robbery and theft of police equipment.
National security authorities continue to engage with local communities to enhance cooperation and prevent further illegal possession of firearms.
This incident comes amid wider efforts by the Kenya Police Service to trace missing arms across the country, reinforcing the importance of community collaboration in crime prevention.
Residents in Thika East and surrounding areas are being encouraged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to local law enforcement.
The investigation is ongoing, and authorities have confirmed that the recovered firearm will undergo detailed forensic analysis to establish its history and any potential involvement in prior crimes.