A suspect believed to be behind the viral armed robbery at a popular restaurant in Nairobi's Spring Valley estate has been killed following a shootout with detectives during a police operation in Joska, Machakos County.
In a statement issued on Monday, July 13, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the suspect was also believed to be part of a criminal gang linked to a string of violent robberies across Nairobi, Kiambu and Machakos counties.
According to the DCI, detectives from its headquarters teamed up with officers from DCI Matungulu after receiving intelligence that the suspect had taken refuge at his girlfriend's house in Joska Town.
The agency said officers identified themselves and ordered those inside the house to open the door. Instead, the suspect allegedly opened fire through a kitchen window, prompting detectives to return fire.
"Upon identifying themselves and ordering the occupants to open the door, the suspect opened fire through a kitchen window, spraying bullets at the officers. Detectives returned fire in self-defence," the DCI said.
Police said they later entered the house and found the suspect fatally wounded.
During the operation, detectives recovered a Beretta pistol loaded with four rounds of 9mm ammunition, additional live rounds, spent cartridges and three mobile phones.
Investigators believe the firearm could provide crucial evidence in linking the suspect to other violent crimes.
The pistol has since been handed over to the National Police Service (NPS) Forensic Laboratory for ballistic analysis.
The DCI said preliminary investigations had strongly linked the suspect to the recent daylight robbery along General Mathenge Road in Spring Valley, where armed men stormed a busy restaurant, terrorised diners and stole mobile phones and other valuables before escaping on motorcycles.
The robbery, which was captured on CCTV footage and widely shared on social media, sparked public outrage and renewed concerns over rising cases of armed robberies targeting restaurants and entertainment spots in Nairobi.
Detectives are now pursuing other members of the suspected criminal gang, with the DCI confirming that a manhunt remains underway.
"Meanwhile, a manhunt is underway to trail down the suspect's accomplices, who remain at large," the agency stated.
The DCI reiterated its commitment to dismantling violent criminal networks and bringing all suspects involved in serious crimes to justice.
The viral footage had revealed how the robbery unfolded in under 30 seconds and left many Kenyans questioning security in the capital.
Surveillance footage as previously obtained and reported 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 was quickly overpowered.
The footage also appeared to capture the suspects threatening to fire into the air before fleeing on motorcycles moments later.
