Police constable arrested after losing AK-47 rifle while taking a nap in Gatundu

A police officer stationed in Gatundu South, Kiambu County has been arrested after a loaded AK-47 rifle in his possession got lost under mysterious circumstances on Tuesday.

Karatu Police Station Police Constable Benson Otenda was manning the precinct's report office on Monday night before handing over to a colleague on Tuesday morning at around 6 am.

Otenda subsequently retired to his quarters with his state-issued AK-47 rifle, serial number 5524595.

He reportedly placed the rifle next to his bed before taking a long nap only to wake up and find it missing later on.  

"It was reported by No.124987 PC Benson Otenda, that he was relieved from his place of duty today at the report office at 0605hrs and handed over to no.249946 PC Leonard Kimani," a police report documenting the incident reads in part.

"Otenda later proceeded to his house carrying his rifle AK 47 s/n. 5524595 without returning it to the armoury and placed it besides his bed and fell asleep. Upon waking up at around 1000hrs he could not find it and subsequently cannot account for the rifle with 30 rounds of ammunition."

An operation to recover the lost rifle is currently ongoing.  

"The scene was visited by CIPU commander, SCCIO and OCS Gatundu South. The sub-county team was later joined by county security team comprising the CPC, CIPU and CCIO," the police report reads. 

"A search team was dispatched as the operations continues to recover the same. The police officer placed in custody pending further action."