Police officers in Nanyuki, Laikipia County, have arrested a female suspect linked to a series of burglary incidents in Muthaiga Estate and recovered a firearm during the operation.
In an operation conducted in the early hours of Wednesday morning, officers intercepted a suspicious motor vehicle within the estate after receiving intelligence from members of the public.
“In the early hours of this morning, at approximately 04:30 hrs, a coordinated police operation was conducted within Muthaiga Estate in Nanyuki, following a series of reported burglary incidents in the area,” a statement from the National Police Service (NPS) read in part.
“Acting on intelligence and recent patterns, officers had strategically positioned themselves at key points within the estate to intercept individuals suspected of being involved. During the patrol, a motor vehicle was observed parked in a concealed manner within nearby vegetation, arousing the suspicion of the officers on duty,” NPS said.
NPS asserted that upon noticing the police presence, the driver of the vehicle attempted to flee, disregarding lawful orders to stop.
Officers initiated a pursuit, during which the occupants of the vehicle resisted arrest. A firearm was reportedly brandished from inside the vehicle, and a shot was fired in the direction of the pursuing officers.
“In response to the imminent threat, officers acted in accordance with operational protocols and returned fire. The vehicle subsequently veered off the road into a bushy area.”
The occupants of the vehicle fled on foot into nearby residential compounds. However, one female suspect was arrested while attempting to escape after entering a neighbouring compound.
She was detained with the assistance of a security guard and later handed over to police. The service noted that she is currently assisting with ongoing investigations.
The service further stated that a manhunt has since been launched for the remaining suspects who escaped from the scene.
It also reiterated that it is conducting follow-up operations in the surrounding areas and pursuing all available leads to ensure that those involved are apprehended and brought to justice.
