Detectives recover M16 rifle linked to four murders in Isiolo, Meru

NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 15 — Detectives are investigating whether an M16 rifle recovered in Isiolo was used in four separate murders reported in Isiolo and neighbouring Meru counties over the past 18 months.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the firearm was recovered during an intelligence-led multi-agency operation in the Kakili area of Burat Location, where it was found loaded with five rounds of 5.56×45mm ammunition.

The operation involved police officers from Isiolo County, National Police Reservists and National Government Administration Officers.
According to the DCI, the rifle is believed to be linked to suspected bandit Aloise Lochuchu, alias “Akoo”, who was recently charged with robbery with violence.

The recovery has given investigators a potential forensic lead in four murder cases, although detectives are yet to establish conclusively whether the firearm was used in any of the killings.

The cases under investigation include the murder of a victim at Maili Tatu in Meru County on January 26, 2025; the killing of a businesswoman in Isiolo town on July 20, 2025; a murder at Sakama Bar in Isiolo on December 24, 2025; and the killing of a deputy principal at Leparua in Isiolo North Sub-County on February 18, 2026.

“The recovery has opened a can of worms,” the DCI said, as detectives work to establish the firearm’s role in the four killings and determine whether it may have been used in other crimes.

The rifle has been secured at the Isiolo Police Station armoury and will be submitted to the National Forensic Laboratory for ballistic examination.

The analysis is expected to establish whether bullets or cartridges recovered from the four crime scenes can be scientifically linked to the M16.

The DCI said the recovery demonstrated the importance of actionable intelligence and cooperation between security agencies and local communities in the fight against violent crime.