Police officers in Meru County have arrested a man suspected of impersonating a police officer and terrorising residents of Imenti North Sub-County.
In a statement, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the suspect, identified as Lucky Mwenda, was apprehended following a tip-off from members of the public who had raised concerns over his activities in the area.
Residents reportedly became suspicious after Mwenda was allegedly seen masquerading as a security officer while intimidating and harassing locals.
Following his arrest, detectives conducted a search at his premises, where several items believed to have been used in the impersonation were recovered.
These included a military-style jacket, a military knee pad, a military hat, a camel bag, and a dagger.
Authorities believe Mwenda may have been using the items to create fear among residents and gain unlawful authority by posing as a law enforcement or security officer.
Investigations are ongoing to establish whether he acted alone or was part of a wider network, as well as to determine if he was involved in other criminal activities in the region.
The DCI has urged members of the public to remain vigilant and to verify the identity of anyone claiming to be a police officer, noting that genuine officers are required to carry official identification at all times.
Mwenda is currently being held in police custody and is expected to be arraigned in court once investigations are complete.
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