DCI Arrest Key Suspect In Killing Of Detective David Mayaka

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have arrested one of the main suspects behind the cold-blooded murder of Detective David Mayaka during a robbery incident at the Mihango area in Kayole Estate, Nairobi.

The DCI in their report on Tuesday, August 15 confirmed the arrest, adding that the motorbike used as the means of escape during the incident was impounded.

In a stealth operation mounted by sleuths from the elite Crime Research & Intelligence Bureau (CRIB) based at the DCI Nairobi regional command, the suspect was flushed out of his hideout in Ruthingiti, Kiambu County. 

Collage of Alex Wanjiru, one of the main suspects in the killing of detective David Mayaka in Kayole and a motorbike used by the thugs on the fateful night seized on August 15, 2023. /DCI

"Alex Wanjiru, 23, who was part of the miscreant gang involved in the cold-blooded murder of our colleague detective David Mayaka, had escaped from Kayole immediately after the incident and sought refuge at his grandmother’s home in Ruthingiti, Kikuyu sub-county before detectives tracked him down," stated the DCI in part.

Earlier, the detectives had impounded the motorbike used by the thugs on the fateful night, a red Boxer registration number KMGJ 350V. This is after conducting thorough forensic investigations that placed the suspect and his accomplices at the scene of the incident, at the exact time of the murder. 

A comprehensive analysis conducted by ballistic experts based at the DCI National Forensic Lab has since linked the firearm that fired the fatal shot a C2, to five previous robbery incidents in the city. 

"So far, detectives have also identified the two other thugs involved in the murder most foul. They are the main suspect Henry Njihia who fired the shots that took Detective Mayaka’s life and John Kamau aka Faruk, who is also armed with a Glock pistol. 

"The duo are on our radar and it’s only a matter of time before their fate is sealed," warned the DCI.

Detective Mayaka who was based at DCI Makadara was driving home in the company of his wife Kemunto Mayaka on August 8, at around 10 pm when they were accosted by the three-man gang riding on a motorbike. 

Preliminary police reports indicated that the couple had stopped in the Hurlingham area to fix a car puncture when three men on a motorcycle approached them pretending to help the two in fixing the puncture. However, the matter turned confrontational with the officer retreating to his car for his gun.

The officer, in the footage seen by Viral Tea, was heard pleading with the thugs to take whatever possessions they wanted from him, but the armed thugs were on a mission to end his life, with one of them heard instructing to shoot Mayaka dead.

Despite the officer's pleas to the thugs to take whatever they wanted, four gunshots rented the air in the ensuing scuffle before the thugs sped away with Kemunto screaming for help. One of the thugs had opened fire, shooting the officer in the abdomen.