In a dramatic confrontation in Nairobi’s Eastleigh area, police shot and killed a suspected thief after he was caught snatching a mobile phone from a pedestrian. The incident unfolded on Thursday evening along Third Avenue, just outside a mosque, where two suspects on a motorcycle reportedly threatened the victim with a knife before robbing him.
According to police reports, the two suspects were riding on a motorcycle when they targeted the pedestrian, forcibly taking the mobile phone after threatening to stab him. As police officers patrolling the area attempted to apprehend the suspects, the two tried to flee the scene. During the ensuing chase, police fatally shot one of the suspects. The other accomplice abandoned the motorcycle used in the robbery and escaped on foot.
Authorities recovered the stolen mobile phone and returned it to its owner. They also recovered the knife allegedly used in the robbery and the motorcycle involved in the crime.
The police have intensified their presence in the Eastleigh area, deploying more personnel to maintain security, particularly with the upcoming Eid celebrations. Local residents have expressed ongoing concerns about the prevalence of criminals on motorcycles who reportedly attack and rob pedestrians and passersby.
Following the shooting, the body of the deceased suspect was taken to the mortuary pending an autopsy and other legal procedures. Nairobi police commander George Sedah emphasized the importance of enhanced operations to curb the rise in robbery cases across the city.
Sedah noted that the police have increased undercover patrols in various parts of Nairobi, a strategy that has already resulted in several arrests and prosecutions of robbery suspects. He assured the public that the police are committed to tackling criminal activities that threaten the safety of residents and visitors alike.
Meanwhile, in Kilifi County, police are actively searching for another suspect who seriously injured a police officer during a failed arrest attempt. The incident occurred in Msongoleni village, Malindi, where three officers from Kizingo police station had gone to apprehend a man suspected of making threats to kill. When confronted, the suspect became violent and struck one of the officers with a stone, causing a serious head injury.
The injured officer suffered a significant wound on the left side of his head and was rushed to a hospital in Malindi for treatment. After receiving medical care, the officer was discharged but the suspect managed to escape before the arrest could be completed.
The police have launched a manhunt for the individual responsible for the assault and continue to urge anyone with information about his whereabouts to come forward. Authorities reaffirm their commitment to ensuring justice is served and to protecting law enforcement officers who face dangers in the line of duty.
The recent events underscore the challenges faced by Kenyan police in maintaining law and order, especially in areas known for high crime rates. Residents’ concerns about robbery and violent crime highlight the need for continued vigilance and proactive policing to prevent further incidents.
As the Eid festivities approach, the police have pledged to maintain a strong presence in vulnerable neighborhoods and increase efforts to dismantle criminal networks operating on motorcycles and other means. This heightened security effort aims to reassure the public and reduce the risk of theft, robbery, and violence during the holiday period and beyond.
The shooting of the suspected thief in Eastleigh and the attack on the police officer in Kilifi are reminders of the complex and often dangerous situations law enforcement officers encounter daily. While the police work to enforce the law and protect citizens, these incidents also bring attention to the broader issues of crime prevention and community safety across Kenya.
