Wamuzi News Ke
A dramatic stand-off erupted in the heart of Kisumu’s Central Business District this morning after a 21-year-old man allegedly robbed a security guard, opened fire on police officers and ultimately took refuge in a rooftop water tank.
According to police sources, the suspect was found in possession of an assault rifle and multiple rounds of ammunition.The drama began shortly before 10 a.m. when officers on patrol along Otieno Oyoo Street, next to the Patel Samaj Temple compound, spotted three young men carrying a bulky bag and acting suspiciously.
Upon approach, one of the men drew an assault rifle and opened fire. The gunman then forced his way into the temple grounds, where he overpowered a security guard, tied him up and stole his mobile phone and other valuables.
Witnesses say he then fled to the rooftop of the building and hid behind a large water-storage tank while continuing to fire at pursuing officers.
A special police response unit was deployed and managed to corner the suspect. After a tense exchange of shots, officers subdued him and recovered an AK-47 rifle and five rounds of ammunition.
The young man is now in custody at the Kisumu Central Police Station awaiting formal charges. According to Deputy Sub-County Police Commandant Bakari Mwanauli, preliminary investigations suggest that the weapon used by the suspect may have been deployed in earlier violent robberies within the city. “We believe the firearm is linked to a number of incidents,” he said.
