Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) nabbed two suspects, following a robbery incident that happened along Kitheme road, Kariobangi, Nairobi County.
In a statement, the DCI noted that the two armed thugs had attacked a middle-aged woman and snatched her handbag at gunpoint before fleeing on a motorbike.
However, police officers on patrol caught wind of the robbery and launched an operation to hunt down the two criminals.
Chasing a lead given by witnesses, the police tracked the two thugs who resorted to using various tactics in order to shake off the sleuths.
"As the motorbike negotiated a bend leading to Riverside, the detectives’ vehicle closed in and intercepted the motorbike which veered off the road landing in a ditch."
"But before the detectives could alight from their vehicle, the rider had gathered himself up and taken off on his ill-fated bike, that left behind a threatening cranking sound from the impact of the tumble," DCI stated.
One of the thugs whipped out a firearm and opened fire at the detectives, which led to a shootout between the two. The police closed in on the thugs and apprehended the two suspects.
The suspects were armed with a Beretta pistol loaded with 11 rounds of 9 millimeters calibre, alongside 2 kilograms of marijuana concealed in his body.
"After comprehensive investigations, it was discovered that the suspects are on the list of Nairobi’s most wanted suspects, responsible for several murders in the capital."
"Detectives remain on high alert following increased cases of armed attacks targeted at innocent civilians, as the country gears up to the forthcoming general elections," DCI stated.
The incident comes days after the Inspector General Hillary Mutyambai recalled all police officers on leave to effectively maintain order in the country until the electioneering period is over.
