Robbery Suspect Linked to Multiple Armed Robberies and Murder of Detective: Recovered Pistol Ties Crimes in Nairobi and Kiambu
A CZ pistol that was used in the cold-blooded murder of Detective David Mayaka in Kayole, Nairobi has been linked to a series of armed robberies and the tragic killing of the detective. The pistol was recovered from a suspect who was fatally shot by the police during a confrontation on August 22, 2023.
According to the police, the suspect, John Kamau, also known as Farouk, was cornered by the authorities but chose to engage in a shootout rather than surrender. He was eventually killed in a hail of gunfire. The recovered pistol played a crucial role in linking Kamau to multiple armed robberies in Nairobi and Kiambu Counties over the past year.
The robberies primarily targeted M-pesa outlets in densely populated residential areas such as Kayole, Buru Buru, Dandora, and Dagoretti. The ballistic experts at the DCI National Forensic Laboratory conducted preliminary investigations on the firearm and established its involvement in at least five armed robberies in the region.
Further investigations have revealed that the recovered firearm was forcefully taken from an aide of a former Cabinet Secretary during a robbery incident. The aide, who possessed a valid firearms license, was entering his compound around 2 am when he was confronted by a gang armed with an AK-47 rifle and crude weapons. The robbers not only stole the pistol but also made off with four mobile phones, a MacBook, an HP computer, and US$3,000. Unfortunately, these items have yet to be recovered.
In a significant development, one key suspect in Detective Mayaka’s murder was apprehended last week in Kikuyu, Kiambu County. This suspect, who was the motorbike rider used by the gang on the night of the incident, was found hiding in his grandmother’s compound in Ruthingiti village. The police also impounded the red Bajaj Boxer motorbike used during the crime. A search for the third suspect, who is believed to be armed and dangerous, is currently underway.
The tragic event involving Detective Mayaka occurred on August 8 when he and his wife, Kemunto Mayaka, were heading home at around 10 pm. They were stopped by a gang of three individuals on a motorbike while Mayaka was changing a flat tire. The horrifying incident was captured by nearby CCTV cameras.
Following the confrontation on August 22, a police officer was injured and is currently recovering in a stable condition at a city hospital. The officer sustained a gunshot wound to the left thigh during the shootout.
This case highlights the significant dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the prevalence of armed robberies in the Nairobi and Kiambu regions. The recovery of the CZ pistol and the subsequent investigation into its connection to multiple crimes is a promising development in bringing these criminals to justice. The ongoing manhunt for the remaining suspect underscores the determination of the police to ensure the safety and security of the communities affected by these incidents.
