Police in Thika on Thursday found a gun and 40 rounds of ammunition from a bag that was left behind at Naivas Supermarket, Thika branch.
The black shoulder bag had remained uncollected at the supermarket’s luggage bay since December 30, 2019, after it was dropped by two women who were caught on CCTV cameras.
Thika Sub-County Police Commander Beatrice Kiraguri who confirmed the incident said the items that were found in the bag had been stolen adding that they have launched a manhunt on the two women.
Kiraguri said the items that were found, the gun, 40 rounds of ammunition, a laptop, among other valuables, were stolen on December 30 in Kandara, Murang’a County.
She said that the items were reported stolen from a vehicle when the owner was attending a burial ceremony in Kandara.
“The gun-holder reported the incident at Kandara Police Station the same day, and detectives commenced a search for the stolen property,” said Kiraguri as quoted by K24.
The police commander urged supermarket and mall administrators to inform the police incase bags are left unclaimed in their premises for more than one day.
“Security starts with you and I. Imagine the devastating consequences that would have befallen us if the bag left at Naivas contained an explosive device, the entire structure would have been blown up! A thorough body-search on customers should be done at supermarkets and malls,” she added.
The supermarket’s management had got suspicious and informed the police after the bag remained uncollected at the luggage deposit area.
Speaking to k24, Naivas Thika manager, Daniel Mukuha, said they will hold meetings to put in place measures that will ensure their customers are well protected following the incident.
Mukuha said it was during the busy festive season that the bag remained at the luggage deposit area for long.
“However, when our staff members who handle customers’ luggage told us that the bag had stayed for abnormally long period on the shelf, we reported the incident to police,” he noted.