An M16 rifle recovered in Isiolo has opened a new line of inquiry into four killings reported in Isiolo and Meru, with detectives now working to establish the weapon’s exact role in each case.
The firearm, loaded with five rounds of ammunition, was found in Kakili area of Burat Location during a joint operation involving police officers, National Police Reservists (NPRs) and National Government Administration Officers (NGAOs).
Investigators were led to the rifle through information gathered from a suspect who is currently facing robbery with violence charges. Detectives believe the information provided a breakthrough after previous efforts to locate weapons used in several murder cases had not yielded results.
"We have had a number of murder cases but we have not been finding the weapons used in the murders. But we found leads after we were informed there was a suspect who was receiving treatment and it's through the suspect that we were able to find the gun," a DCI officer involved in the investigation said.
The first murder detectives have associated with the M16 is that of Patrick Nyaga Gathu, who was killed at Maili Tatu in Meru County on January 26, 2025.
Police say early findings point to the suspect in custody as having played a role in the killing, while the recovered firearm is also believed to have been used in the attack.
"We have evidence that the suspect in custody was involved and we have reason to believe that this gun was used in the murder," he said.
The weapon has also been connected to the December 24 killing of a young man inside a bar at Kambi ya Juu in Isiolo town.
Detectives are further investigating the death of deputy principal William Maingi Gitobu, who was killed in an ambush at Leparua in Isiolo North Sub-County on February 18, 2026.
"In our investigations, we've found that this suspect and others who are part of his gang are the ones who staged the ambush in which teacher William Maingi Gitobu died," the officer said.
A fourth case being examined is the July 20, 2026, killing of a businesswoman in Isiolo town's central business district. Police say the suspect in custody is also believed to have been involved in the killing, with the firearm expected to provide further evidence.
"We also have reason to believe the suspect we have in custody was involved and now we have found the gun which we are going to subject to forensic analysis."
The M16 has been placed under police custody at Isiolo Police Station and will be submitted to the National Forensic Laboratory for ballistic tests.
The examination will help detectives determine whether the rifle was fired in the four incidents and whether it may be connected to additional offences.
Investigators are also pursuing information on other members of the gang as they work to piece together the circumstances surrounding the killings.
The DCI said the recovery was made possible by useful information and urged the public to continue providing details that could assist investigations.
Members of the public can share information anonymously through the toll-free #FichuaKwaDCI line 0800 722 203 or WhatsApp number 0709 570 000.