One man was shot dead and another arrested after police in Nairobi ambushed an alleged road vandalism gang at Nairobi River Bridge along Outer Ring Road on Sunday, March 8.
Other members of the 5-man gang escaped with gunshot wounds, according to a statement to newsrooms by the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (Kura) on Tuesday, March 10.
Kariobangi OCS David Ole Shani stated that law enforcement officers accosted the gang found cutting guard rails at around 2 a.m. on March 8.
"These are among the big cartels mowing down street lights and removing road furniture in this part of the city and we will bring them all to book," he stated.
The arrested suspect will be arraigned before the Makadara Court and charged with endangering the lives of citizens in addition to road vandalism.
Commending the police for their action, Kura noted that 40 street poles valued at Ksh7 million had been removed by vandals since January 2020, describing the operation as an 'organised crime syndicate'.
"I wish to commend the police service for their quick action and enhanced surveillance on our roads.
"We shall not rest until this vice is eliminated in our society and people respect public utility services," stated acting Kura Director-General Silas Kinoti.
Members of the public were also urged to report cases of street vandals to relevant authorities such as Kura and the police.
"We wish to condemn the unscrupulous and barbaric behaviour which not only endangers the lives of road users but also renders the maintenance of roads expensive.
"Some of the roads most affected include; Thika Super Highway, Outer Ring Road, Ngong' Road, Lang'ata Road only to mention a few," the statement read in part.
The police further disclosed that they remained on the hunt for three of the alleged vandals who escaped with gunshot wounds.
