Police shoot dead notorious robbery suspect in Mwea East, Kirinyaga

Police in Kirinyaga county shot dead a suspected notorious criminal linked to a series of robberies in the region.

The suspect, identified as Elias Murimi Kinyua, alias “Yakuza”, was fatally injured on May 1, 2026, following a confrontation with officers in Mwea East.

Police said they acted on a tip-off from members of the public who reported they had seen the suspect, who had been linked to multiple robbery and burglary cases.

He had also been captured on CCTV in connection with a robbery reported in April.

Police records indicate that Kinyua was an escapee from Kerugoya Prison, where he had been held since 2022 facing several charges, including robbery with violence and burglary.

Upon tracing him, officers arrested him. However, police said the suspect drew a button sword, prompting officers to open fire and fatally injure him.

The body was taken to Kerugoya Funeral Home awaiting a postmortem as investigations continue.

Elsewhere, a suspected armed robber was killed by a mob in Shanzu, Kisauni, Mombasa, following a dramatic chase involving two suspects on a motorcycle.

The incident occurred on May 1, 2026, at about 1:08pm.

Police said the two suspects, believed to be armed robbers, were being pursued by members of the public when they reached the Pendua area. One of them, identified as 49-year-old Kitonga Mauta, fell off the motorcycle.

He was reportedly armed with a pistol.

The mob caught up with him and subjected him to mob justice, killing him on the spot. The second suspect escaped on the motorcycle and remains at large.

At the scene, investigators recovered a pistol identified as a Forjas Taurus PT 191, along with five bullets.

The firearm has since been secured at the station’s armoury.

Police also established that during the pursuit, the suspects fired several shots, injuring a 29-year-old civilian.

He sustained gunshot wounds to the left palm and right shoulder and was taken to White Life Hospital, where he was treated and discharged.

The body of the deceased was taken to Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary awaiting a postmortem.

Police have launched a manhunt for the second suspect as investigations continue.

In Bokoli, Bungoma county, a suspect was lynched by a mob in a failed robbery.