A suspected thief was shot dead on Thursday morning inside Kahawa Barracks in Nairobi after allegedly breaking into a house and attempting to escape with stolen items.
The incident caused panic among residents and led to a swift security response within the military compound.
According to security officials, the man is believed to have gained access to a residential house located inside the barracks under unclear circumstances.
After entering the house, he reportedly took a 32-inch television set and two gas cylinders weighing six kilograms each. With the items in his possession, he then attempted to flee the compound by heading toward the perimeter fence.
His actions did not go unnoticed. Residents within the area raised an alarm after spotting suspicious movement, prompting military personnel stationed within the barracks to respond immediately.
Witnesses said the situation escalated quickly as soldiers moved to intercept the suspect before he could leave the restricted area.
During the confrontation, gunshots were heard within the compound, causing fear and confusion among nearby residents. The suspect was shot in the forehead and the hip, causing him to collapse near the perimeter fence.
The stolen items were reportedly found next to him, confirming that he was still in possession of the property at the time he was shot.
Officers from Kahawa West Police Station arrived at the scene shortly after the incident. They were joined by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations based in Kasarani, who took over the investigation. The area was secured to allow for proper documentation and collection of evidence.
Police confirmed that all the stolen items were recovered and secured as exhibits. Scene of Crime officers processed the location by documenting the scene, recording bullet paths, and collecting forensic samples that may help establish the exact sequence of events.
This process was aimed at ensuring that all facts surrounding the shooting are clearly understood.
The body of the suspect was later moved to the mortuary, where it will be preserved as authorities work to identify him. A postmortem examination is expected to be conducted to determine further details about the injuries and the cause of death.
Security officials reiterated that military barracks and residential areas are highly restricted and protected by armed personnel around the clock. They stressed that any unauthorized entry into such areas is treated as a serious security threat.