A suspected member of a violent criminal gang linked to the shocking Spring Valley restaurant robbery has been killed during a dramatic shootout with detectives in Joska, Machakos County, in what investigators are describing as a major breakthrough in the hunt for suspects behind one of Nairobi's most daring daylight robberies.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced that detectives "neutralised a key suspect" believed to have played a central role in the armed robbery that terrorised diners at a popular restaurant along General Mathenge Road in Spring Valley, Westlands.
According to the DCI, the suspect was also allegedly part of a larger organised criminal network responsible for a series of violent robberies targeting residents across Nairobi, Kiambu and Machakos counties.
"The suspect is also believed to have been part of a criminal network behind a series of violent robberies across Nairobi, Kiambu and Machakos counties," the DCI said.
The operation followed intelligence reports that the suspect had gone into hiding at his girlfriend's residence in Joska Town.
The DCI said officers from its headquarters teamed up with detectives from DCI Matungulu before launching the carefully planned raid.
"Acting swiftly on crucial intel, detectives from DCI Headquarters joined forces with their DCI Matungulu counterparts to launch a raid on a house in Joska Town, where the suspect had reportedly taken refuge in his girlfriend's house," the agency said.
However, what began as an arrest operation quickly escalated into a fierce gun battle.
According to investigators, detectives identified themselves before ordering those inside the house to surrender.
"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 stated.
After the exchange of gunfire, detectives entered the house.
"After securing the premises and gaining entry, the detectives discovered the suspect lying fatally wounded inside the house," the statement added.
Police say the recovery of a Beretta pistol could provide crucial forensic evidence linking the suspect to several violent crimes committed across the region.
Detectives recovered a Beretta pistol loaded with four rounds of 9mm ammunition, additional live rounds, spent cartridges and three mobile phones believed to be important to the ongoing investigation.
"A Beretta pistol, loaded with a magazine containing four rounds of 9mm ammunition, alongside live rounds and spent cartridges, were recovered at the scene. Also recovered were three mobile phones," the DCI confirmed.
The recovered firearm has since been handed over to forensic experts.
"The recovered firearm is now in the custody of the National Police Service Forensic Laboratory (NPSFL), where ballistic experts will examine it for possible links to other violent crimes," detectives said.
Investigators hope the ballistic examination will determine whether the weapon was used in previous robberies, shootings or other violent offences reported across the country.
The suspect is believed to have participated in the daylight robbery that shocked Kenyans after armed men stormed a busy restaurant along General Mathenge Road in Spring Valley, Westlands.
The attackers reportedly threatened customers with firearms before stealing mobile phones, cash and other valuables, then escaped on motorcycles as terrified diners watched helplessly.
The incident sparked widespread public concern after videos of the robbery circulated online, raising fresh questions about urban security and organised crime in Nairobi.
According to detectives:
"Preliminary investigations strongly link the suspect to the recent daylight robbery along General Mathenge Road in Spring Valley, Westlands, where armed thugs terrorised diners, snatching phones and valuables before fleeing on motorcycles."
Although detectives consider the operation a significant breakthrough, investigations are far from over.
Police have confirmed that several suspected members of the criminal gang remain at large.
"Meanwhile, a manhunt is underway to trail down the suspect's accomplices, who remain at large," the DCI said.
Authorities believe dismantling the entire network will help curb the wave of violent robberies that has affected residents in Nairobi and neighbouring counties.
The DCI says it remains committed to tracking down dangerous criminals and ensuring they face justice.
"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.
As forensic experts analyse the recovered Beretta pistol and detectives pursue the remaining suspects, investigators hope the latest breakthrough will provide fresh leads into other unsolved armed robberies and strengthen efforts to dismantle organised criminal gangs operating across the country.
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