4 Shot Dead As DCI Corner Thugs Near Kamukunji Grounds

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) gunned down four armed thugs in showdowns that occurred across different Nairobi Estates.

This is as police recovered three firearms in different incidents across the city, as a crackdown on thugs terrorising Nairobi residents enters the homestretch.

Two of them, according to the DCI's report on Wednesday, January 25, were intercepted by the sleuths close to Kamukunji grounds, the venue which hosted Azimio la Umoja coalition leader Raila Odinga's public rally on Monday, January 23.

"In the first incident which occurred minutes to 5 am, two miscreants died in a hail of fire after challenging detectives on patrol to a duel, leading to a deafening exchange of fire that shook the entire Kwa Viatu area near Kamukunji grounds.

Azimio la Umoja leader Raila Odinga addressing supporters at Kamukunji grounds on January 23, 2023. /RAILA ODINGA

"The two who were part of a four-man gang that had earlier accosted two members of the public headed for their early morning hustles were intercepted close to Kamukunji grounds, where on noticing the presence of our officers they shot at them leading to the exchange," the DCI stated in part.

Two of the thugs were lucky to escape the onslaught by diving into the nearby Nairobi river, opting to swim downstream while gulping mouthfuls of the heavily polluted water infested with human and household waste.

Following the incident, one homemade firearm capable of firing was recovered, as well as a blood-stained knife, mobile phones and six wallets.

Moments later along Thika road in the Kastemill area, another armed thug was shot dead by officers on patrol after he was intercepted trying to cross over from Zimmerman to Kastemill carrying stolen goods.

"The armed thug who defied orders to surrender was fatally wounded and a Beretta pistol loaded with 2 rounds of 9mm calibre recovered from him. Also recovered was a 43’ flat-screen television suspected to have been stolen from a house in Zimmerman. 

"The third miscreant whose appointment with his maker was last to be fixed this morning, died in a fierce shootout as he together with an accomplice tested the resolve of our officers after defying orders to turn themselves in," added the DCI.

The two armed with a Browning pistol loaded with 13 rounds of 9mm calibre were no match to the sleuths’ ferocious firepower coupled with sufficient ammo, that fatally wounded one of them instantly as his accomplice fled to nearby shrubs with life-threatening injuries. 

A Police raincoat, handcuff keys, four mobile phones, two master keys and a dagger were recovered. 

Efforts to arrest the thugs who escaped are in top gear as detectives urged medical practitioners in Eastlands to be on the lookout for two young men seeking treatment for severe diarrhoea and one with gunshot injuries.