DCI busts, kills three car thieves

Police display recovered car accessories at Nakuru Central Police Station. [Kennedy Gachuhi, Standard]

Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigation (DCI) have killed three people suspected to be part of a car theft syndicate operating in Ruiru, Kiambu County.

The DCI reported that they cornered the gang between Githurai and Mwiki areas in Kiambu County on Friday morning.

“Officers had kept a night-long vigil patrolling their areas of jurisdiction. 30 minutes into the devil's hour, the sleuths observed some suspicious activity by four men onboard a KBZ 113S Toyota Probox, just as it joined the murram road connecting Mwiki-Kasarani and Githurai 45 roads,” DCI said.

Police signaled the vehicle to pull over but the driver sped-off, prompting a police chase.

Authorities say the gang, who were all armed then opened fire at the police.

In the melee, three of the four members were killed while one escaped. “He is believed to have sustained gunshot wounds and is being sought,” DCI said.

Police recovered the car used in the operation, which would later be claimed by a Kayole-based man and a pistol.

A manhunt has been launched for one of the gang members who escaped with injuries.