Police Recover Stolen Machine Gun In Laikipia County
A machine gun taken from security officers in Laikipia in October 2021 after a gun battle with robbers has been recovered by the National Government Administration Officers.
Lydia Kadima 
The weapon, a CQ machine gun, was used in a confrontation with robbers before it went stolen, according to detectives from the National Government Administration Officers (NGAO).
The firearm was first handed over to an assistant chief following a series of community policing and engagements with the public, according to a statement from the National Police Service.
“While handing over the weapon to Ol Moran Police Station, Kirima Deputy County Commissioner John Orata lauded members of the public for cooperation and support towards ending cattle rustling and banditry in the area,” NPS said.
Authorities have also encouraged members of the public to volunteer in surrendering firearms.
Since 2021, bandits stormed various conservancies in some regions of Laikipia, resulting in the deaths of police officers, and residents even leaving many displaced.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Fred Matiangi announced a dusk-to-dawn curfew within the Laikipia Nature Conservancy in September to allow for a security operation to clear criminals from the area.
The curfew came after weeks of growing insecurity in the region, President Uhuru Kenyatta convened a meeting of the National Security Council (NSC) leading to the decision.
The government then set up security in the ranches of Laikipia County as part of a huge security effort to clear the area of illegal herders and bandits.
