Detectives in Machakos County have recovered an AK-47 rifle that was stolen from a police officer during an armed attack in Mavoko nine months ago. The firearm was found in the possession of a suspected gangster who was shot dead during a confrontation with detectives.
The incident happened in the Mashokani area of Matungulu Sub-County along the Koma-Kenol Highway. Detectives had received information about a gang suspected of terrorising residents in the area and moved in to intercept them.
The suspects were travelling in a Toyota Harrier when detectives flagged down the vehicle. Instead of stopping, the gang members allegedly opened fire at the officers, leading to a shootout on the highway.
Detectives returned fire, during which one of the suspects, who was armed with an AK-47, was fatally wounded. Another suspect, who was carrying a pistol, managed to escape from the scene. Detectives have since launched a search for him.
An AK-47 rifle loaded with 11 rounds of 7.62×39mm ammunition was recovered from the deceased suspect. Preliminary investigations established that the firearm matched the one stolen from a police officer during a robbery in Mavoko in November 2025.
During the earlier attack, three armed men reportedly confronted the officer while he was guarding a residence in Athi River. The officer was shot in the chest and both legs before the attackers escaped with his AK-47 rifle, which had 30 rounds of ammunition. His mobile phone was also taken.
The recovery of the rifle has now given detectives an important lead as they investigate the activities of the gang and determine whether the firearm was used in other crimes since it was stolen.
A search of the Toyota Harrier also led to the recovery of eight mobile phones, four balaclavas, crowbars and torches. The items are expected to form part of the ongoing investigation into the suspects and their possible criminal activities.
Crime Scene Investigation officers processed the area where the shooting took place as detectives gathered evidence. The body of the suspect who was killed was later taken to the Kangundo Level 4 Hospital mortuary, where it will remain pending an autopsy.
The suspect who escaped remains at large, with detectives continuing their efforts to locate him. Investigators are also working to establish the wider network linked to the gang and whether other people were involved in the crimes under investigation.
