A suspect believed to be connected to the recent armed robbery at a popular restaurant in Spring Valley, Nairobi, was killed during a police operation in Joska, Machakos County.
Detectives also recovered a Beretta pistol that investigators believe could help uncover links to other criminal activities in the region.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspect was among individuals being investigated over a series of violent robberies reported in Nairobi, Kiambu, and Machakos counties.
Authorities said the suspect was also being linked to the daylight robbery that took place along General Mathenge Road in Spring Valley, where armed men reportedly stormed a restaurant, frightened customers, and stole phones and other valuables before escaping on motorcycles.
The operation was carried out after detectives received intelligence about the suspect’s whereabouts.
Officers from the DCI Headquarters worked together with detectives from DCI Matungulu and traced him to a house in Joska Town, where he was reportedly hiding.
Police said the suspect had taken refuge in his girlfriend’s house. When detectives arrived and identified themselves, they ordered the occupants to open the door.
However, investigators say the suspect responded by firing at the officers through a kitchen window.
A shootout followed as detectives returned fire. After securing the area and entering the house, officers found the suspect with fatal injuries inside the residence. No police officer was reported injured during the operation.
At the scene, detectives recovered a Beretta pistol loaded with a magazine containing four rounds of 9mm ammunition. Additional live rounds, spent cartridges, and three mobile phones were also recovered.
The items have been taken into police custody as investigations continue.
Authorities said the recovered firearm has been forwarded to the National Police Service Forensic Laboratory for detailed examination. Ballistic experts are expected to determine whether the weapon was used in other robberies or violent crimes that have been reported in recent months.
Investigators believe the suspect may have worked with other members of a criminal network.
As a result, security agencies have launched a manhunt for individuals believed to have been involved in the robberies. Detectives say efforts are ongoing to identify and arrest all suspects connected to the crimes.
The DCI has maintained that it remains committed to pursuing violent offenders and dismantling criminal gangs that threaten public safety. Investigations into the robbery incidents and possible links to other crimes are still ongoing.
