A numberless motorcycle is at the centre of the arrest of a man accused of posing as a police officer in Meru County.
Detectives say the suspect was apprehended in Imenti North Sub-County after members of the public raised concerns about his movements on a motorcycle without registration plates.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), residents reported seeing a man dressed in police-like attire moving around the area on the unregistered motorcycle.
The unusual detail triggered suspicion, prompting tip-offs to law enforcement officers.
Acting on the information, police mounted an operation and arrested the suspect, identified as Lucky Mwenda.
The DCI said Mwenda was captured while in possession of the numberless motorcycle, which investigators believe he used to move around the area undetected.
A search conducted after the arrest led to the recovery of several items, including a military-style jacket, a military knee pad, a military hat, a camel bag and a dagger.
Authorities said the items are suspected to have been used to reinforce the impression that the suspect was a legitimate security officer.
Police noted that Mwenda had allegedly been impersonating officers and instilling fear among members of the public.
Impersonating a police officer is a serious offence under Kenyan law, as it poses a direct risk to public safety and undermines trust in security agencies.
The DCI credited residents for remaining vigilant and reporting suspicious behaviour, saying the arrest would not have been possible without timely public cooperation.
The agency encouraged Kenyans to continue reporting individuals who present themselves as police officers without proper identification.
Mwenda is currently being held in custody as detectives finalise investigations ahead of his arraignment in court.
Police said further details, including the charges to be preferred, will be communicated once the suspect is formally presented before a magistrate.
Authorities have also cautioned the public to be alert to unregistered motorcycles, noting that numberless bikes are commonly associated with criminal activity and should be reported immediately.