A man suspected of taking part in the recent armed robbery at ChaiiWali restaurant in Nairobi’s Westlands area was shot dead on Monday evening after a gun battle with detectives in Joska, Machakos County.
Police identified the deceased as Vincent Ochieng, whom investigators said had been under surveillance for some time over his alleged involvement in a series of criminal activities.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), the suspect was believed to have participated in the robbery at the popular restaurant, while efforts to trace other members of the suspected gang are still ongoing.
The operation was carried out in the Mapema area of Joska after detectives, acting on intelligence, tracked the suspect to a residential compound where they believed he had been hiding.
Officers from Matungulu Police Station, working alongside DCI personnel, reportedly surrounded the premises before confronting him.
“The suspect allegedly resisted arrest and exchanged gunfire with the officers, prompting police to return fire,” DCI said.
He sustained fatal injuries during the confrontation and died at the scene.
Matungulu Sub-County Police Commander Peter Gichohi said the suspect had chosen Joska as a hideout, believing it would help him avoid detection after allegedly carrying out robberies in Nairobi.
He added that investigations are continuing as detectives pursue other individuals believed to be connected to the same criminal network.
Following the operation, officers recovered a pistol, four live rounds of ammunition and two spent cartridges.
The body was later moved to the Kangundo Level 4 Hospital mortuary pending further investigations.
Residents described the dramatic operation as unexpected. One neighbour, Mary Kaluki, said armed officers arrived at the compound and instructed people to remain inside their houses before gunshots rang out.
She said the suspect had lived quietly in the neighbourhood and was known as a friendly resident, adding that many people were unaware of his source of income.
According to her, he was married and had one child.
The latest development marks a significant step in investigations into the Westlands restaurant robbery, although police say the search for other suspects linked to the attack is still underway.
Authorities have appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to cooperate with detectives as efforts continue to dismantle the suspected criminal gang.
