A suspect linked to the recent armed robbery at a popular restaurant in Spring Valley, Nairobi, was shot dead during a police operation in Joska, Machakos County, as detectives recovered a Beretta pistol believed to have been used in criminal activities.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspect was also believed to be part of a criminal network responsible for a string of violent robberies across Nairobi, Kiambu and Machakos counties.
The operation was conducted by detectives from the DCI headquarters working alongside officers from DCI Matungulu after receiving intelligence that the suspect was hiding at his girlfriend’s house in Joska Town.
Police said officers identified themselves and ordered those inside the house to open the door. However, the suspect allegedly opened fire through a kitchen window, prompting detectives to return fire.
“Upon identifying themselves and ordering the occupants to open the door, the suspect opened fire through a kitchen window, spraying bullets at the officers. Detectives returned fire in self-defence,” the DCI said in a statement.
After securing the house, detectives found the suspect lying inside with fatal gunshot wounds.
Police recovered a Beretta pistol loaded with a magazine containing four rounds of 9mm ammunition, additional live rounds, spent cartridges and three mobile phones from the scene.
Investigators said preliminary findings link the suspect to the recent daylight robbery along General Mathenge Road in Nairobi’s Spring Valley area, where armed robbers stormed a popular restaurant, terrorised diners and stole mobile phones and other valuables before escaping on motorcycles.
The recovered firearm has been forwarded to the National Police Service Forensic Laboratory for ballistic examination to determine whether it was used in other violent crimes.
The DCI said investigations are continuing and that detectives are pursuing other members of the suspected criminal gang who remain at large.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations reaffirms its commitment to dismantling violent criminal networks and ensuring that all those involved in serious crimes face the full force of the law,” the agency said.
Authorities have urged members of the public to continue sharing information that could assist ongoing investigations through the DCI’s anonymous reporting channels.
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