An M16 rifle suspected to have been used in a deadly trail of four murders across Isiolo and neighbouring Meru County has been recovered during an intelligence-led multi-agency operation.
The firearm, loaded with five rounds of 5.56×45mm ammunition, was recovered in the Kakili area of Burat Location by a joint team of police officers from Isiolo County, National Police Reservists (NPRs) and National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs).
“Acting on actionable intelligence, the team recovered the M16 rifle,” the statement said, adding that the firearm is believed to have been linked to notorious bandit Aloise Lochuchu alias “Akoo”, who was recently charged with robbery with violence.
The recovery has opened a new line of investigation, with detectives probing the firearm’s suspected connection to four separate murder cases.
The cases under investigation include the January 26, 2025 murder at Maili Tatu in Meru County; the July 20, 2025 killing of a businesswoman within Isiolo town CBD; the December 24, 2025 murder at Sakama Bar in Isiolo town; and the February 18, 2026 killing of a deputy principal at Leparua in Isiolo North Sub-County.
“The recovery has opened a can of worms, with detectives now probing the firearm’s suspected links to four separate murder cases,” the statement said.
Examination of the firearm
Detectives will subject the firearm to ballistic examination to establish whether it was used in the four killings and determine whether it may have been involved in other crimes.
The rifle has been secured at the Isiolo Police Station armoury and will be forwarded to the National Forensic Laboratory for ballistic examination.
The statement described the recovery as “a breakthrough”, saying it had provided detectives with “a crucial piece of the puzzle” as they work to establish the firearm’s role in the four killings.
“The recovery once again underscores the power of actionable intelligence and community cooperation in tackling crime and making our communities safe,” the statement said.
Members of the public have been urged to share information on suspected criminal activity through the DCI’s Fichua Kwa DCI initiative on 0800 722 203 (toll-free) or WhatsApp on 0709 570 000.
