A suspected gangster was killed in a shootout with DCI detectives in Matungulu, Machakos County, after his gang opened fire on officers along the Koma-Kenol Highway.
A suspected gangster was killed and another is on the run after a gang exchanged gunfire with detectives in the Mashokani area of Matungulu, Machakos County, on Friday, August 14.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), detectives acting on "actionable intelligence" moved to intercept the gang, who were travelling in a Toyota Harrier along the Koma-Kenol Highway. When officers flagged the vehicle down, the suspects opened fire instead of surrendering, triggering a shootout.
Matungulu Sub-County Police Commander Peter Gichohi, addressing journalists at the scene, said the criminals were ordered to stop but resisted. "A gunfight ensued between the officers and the thugs, resulting in the death of one of the thugs who was armed with an AK-47," he said.
Detectives returned fire, fatally wounding one suspect who was armed with an AK-47 loaded with 11 rounds of ammunition. A second suspect, armed with a pistol, escaped the scene and is now being pursued.
Gichohi revealed that the recovered AK-47 was traced back to a robbery in Mavoko in November 2025, during which armed men attacked a police officer guarding a residence in Athi River. The officer was shot in the chest and both legs before the attackers escaped with his rifle, loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition, and his mobile phone.
A search of the Toyota Harrier led to the recovery of eight mobile phones, four balaclavas, crowbars, and torches. Crime Scene Investigation detectives processed the scene, and the body of the slain suspect was moved to Kangundo Level 4 Hospital mortuary pending autopsy.
The DCI has launched a manhunt for the escaped suspect and is investigating the wider criminal network the gang is believed to be part of.