Police fatally shoot notorious robbery suspect in Mwea East, Kirinyaga

Police in Kirinyaga County shot and killed a suspected notorious criminal linked to a series of robbery incidents 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 Sub-County.

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

He had also been captured on CCTV in connection with a recent robbery reported in April, police said.

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 moved in to effect an arrest. However, police say the suspect drew a button sword, prompting officers to open fire, fatally injuring him.

The body was moved to Kerugoya Funeral Home awaiting a post-mortem examination as investigations into the incident continue.

The incident attracted a crowd at the scene.

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

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

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 managed to escape on the motorcycle and is still at large.

At the scene, investigators recovered a pistol—identified as a Forjas Taurus PT 191—along with five rounds of 9mm ammunition.

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 civilian aged 29. 

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

The body of the deceased was moved to Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary awaiting post-mortem examination.

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

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