Civilian gun holder kills suspected highway robber in Nairobi

NAIROBI, COUNTY: A civilian who is also a licensed gun holder shot and killed a suspected thug in a botched robbery along Limuru Road, Nairobi in yet another gun drama incident involving civilian gun holders.

Police said businessman Paul Kobia alias Paul Ilunga Ngoei, the man named in a UN report over Congo Gold smuggling claims, shot dead a robbery suspect along Parklands' Limuru Road at around 7:45pm on Tuesday in a botched robbery.

Nairobi police boss Benson Kibue said one of the suspects had allegedly snatched his phone, a Samsung Galaxy Note 3 valued at Sh74,000 as he drove in a traffic jam.

Kobia told police he pursued them and shot one of the suspects dead but he did not recover the mobile phone.

“He says he was defending himself and trying to recover the mobile phone and had to shoot at them but unfortunately one of them died,” said Kibue.

Kobia who is also known as “Prezda” was summoned to Parklands police station on Wednesday for statement recording.

He told The Standard he was driving home in a traffic jam near City Park when a gang of three attacked him and grabbed his mobile phone.

“I reached my weapon and chased him and his accomplices before we managed to kill one. Police have called me for more statements and I will talk to you later,” said Kobia on the phone.

No other arrest has been made. Kibue said they want to establish the circumstances under which the shooting took place.

“We were not there and that is why we want to hear more from him and his witnesses regarding the shooting incident,” said Kibue.

The body of the 31-year-old man identified as Wanjohi Mugwanja was later picked up and taken to the mortuary. Incidents of snatching and mugging are on the rise in the city.

Equally, cases of attacks by civilian gun holders are on the rise in the city with some misusing them.

Last month a senior manager with ICEA, who was also a licensed gun holder was arrested and arraigned after he shot dead a motorist and injured a second one in Dagoretti area.

The manager was charged with murder following the drama. Earlier on in the month, another licensed gun holder shot and killed a suspected thug who had tried to attack and rob him in Buru Buru area.

Police say there are thousands of guns in the hands of civilians and a number of them are usually misused.

Currently, there is a moratorium in the issuance of the weapons to civilians as part of efforts to re-organise the firearms licensing section of police that has in the past been accused of corruption.