Police in Gatong’ora have launched a massive manhunt for five suspected robbers who narrowly escaped capture following a botched break-in at a local shop in the early hours of the morning.
The dramatic confrontation, which involved a high-speed chase and gunfire, has left the Destiny area of Gatong’ora Ward on high alert as authorities move to dismantle a criminal syndicate operating in the region.
According to Ruiru Sub-County Police Commander Charles Kibathi, the suspects were in the process of breaking into a shop when vigilant members of the public raised an alarm. Officers on patrol responded immediately, intercepting the suspects as they attempted to flee in a getaway vehicle.
“When the suspects refused to stop, our officers fired warning shots in the air, but the vehicle sped off,” Kibathi said.
The pursuit came to a sudden end when officers fired at the vehicle’s tyres, disabling the car. The vehicle, a Toyota Wish, veered off the road and came to a halt, but the five occupants managed to vanish into the darkness on foot before they could be apprehended.
A subsequent search of the abandoned vehicle revealed a chilling kit of the trade. Police recovered:
A toy pistol used to intimidate victims.
Multiple sets of fake number plates.
Assorted house-breaking tools and other items linked to criminal activity.
Commander Kibathi noted that the Toyota Wish was a hired car. He explained that the suspects had fitted the vehicle with fake plates—a common tactic used by local gangs to evade detection by CCTV and police checkpoints.
The incident has prompted a stern warning from the police to the car rental industry. Kibathi urged companies to be more rigorous in their vetting processes to avoid becoming unwitting accomplices to crime.
“Some people rent cars with the sole intention of using them to commit crimes, which could land the car owners in legal trouble,” he cautioned.
Investigations are currently underway to trace the registered owners of the vehicle and identify the suspects through forensic evidence gathered at the scene.
“We have launched a manhunt and the suspects will be brought to justice,” Kibathi vowed. Issuing a final warning to criminal elements in Ruiru, he added: “You might run, but you won’t hide.”
Police have urged residents of Gatong’ora and the wider Kiambu County to remain vigilant and report any suspicious individuals or activities to the nearest police station to assist with the ongoing investigation.
