The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched investigations into a brazen armed robbery after four gunmen stormed a restaurant along General Mathenge Road in Nairobi's Westlands area, robbed customers of their valuables, fired gunshots and escaped on motorcycles.
In a statement issued on Sunday, July 5, the DCI said the robbery with violence occurred on Saturday night, July 4, adding that detectives had already begun gathering evidence to identify and arrest the suspects.
"The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has commenced investigations into a robbery with violence incident that occurred yesterday at a restaurant along General Mathenge Road in Westlands Sub-County, Nairobi County," the agency said.
According to the DCI, four unknown suspects riding two motorcycles descended on the restaurant, robbed customers of their belongings, discharged two rounds into the air and fled towards the Parklands area.
Police recovered a spent 9mm cartridge from the scene, which has since been submitted for forensic examination.
The update comes as CCTV footage of the incident spread rapidly across social media, revealing how the robbery unfolded in under 30 seconds and leaving many Kenyans questioning security in the capital.
Surveillance footage obtained by Vantage Ke showed two men—one dressed in a white hoodie and another in a blue jacket—walking into the restaurant after arriving on a motorcycle at about 10:35pm.
Seconds after entering, the pair drew firearms and ordered terrified customers to comply before moving swiftly through the restaurant collecting mobile phones and other valuables at gunpoint.
A security guard stationed at the establishment was seen attempting to confront one of the attackers but is quickly overpowered.
The footage also appeared to capture the suspects threatening to fire into the air before fleeing on motorcycles moments later, matching the DCI's account that two rounds were discharged as the gang escaped.
Investigators have so far recorded statements from several victims, with more witnesses expected to give their accounts as the investigation progresses.
Detectives from the DCI's Imaging and Acoustic Section are also retrieving and analysing CCTV footage from the area, while crime scene investigators have submitted key evidence recovered from the restaurant for forensic analysis.
The agency said intelligence-led operations remain underway to identify, apprehend and arraign the suspects before the courts.
"The DCI wishes to assure the public of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the safety and security of all persons within the Republic and to ensuring that those responsible for criminal acts are held accountable and brought to justice," the statement added.
The incident has sparked widespread concern online, with many Kenyans calling for tighter security at restaurants, hotels and other entertainment venues in Nairobi.
The DCI has appealed to anyone with information that could assist the investigation to report anonymously through DCI Gigiri, the nearest police station, or the agency's #FichuaKwaDCI reporting channels.
