A suspected gangster has been shot dead during a gun battle with detectives in Machakos County, with police recovering an AK-47 rifle believed to have been stolen from an officer during a violent robbery last year.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the incident occurred in the Mashokani area of Matungulu Sub-County along the Koma–Kenol Highway, where detectives had cornered a gang suspected of terrorising residents in the area.

According to the DCI, detectives acting on intelligence flagged down a Toyota Harrier in which the suspects were travelling.

The occupants, however, allegedly refused to surrender and instead opened fire at the officers.

"The detectives returned fire, triggering a fierce shootout in which one suspect, armed with an AK-47, was fatally wounded," the agency said.

His accomplice, who was reportedly armed with a pistol, however, managed to escape from the scene as detectives pursued the gang.

The DCI said an AK-47 rifle loaded with 11 rounds of 7.62×39mm ammunition was recovered from the slain suspect.

Preliminary investigations have since linked the firearm to a violent robbery in Mavoko in November 2025, during which a police officer was attacked while guarding a residence in Athi River.

"They shot him on the chest and both legs before escaping with his AK-47 rifle, loaded with 30 rounds of ammunition, and his mobile phone," the agency said.

The recovery of the rifle has provided detectives with a possible link between the slain suspect and the earlier attack as investigations continue into the gang's activities.

Police also searched the vehicle and recovered eight mobile phones, four balaclavas, crowbars and torches, according to the DCI.

The items have been taken up as part of the ongoing investigations.

The DCI said Crime Scene Investigation officers processed the scene following the shootout to document and preserve evidence.

The body of the slain suspect was later moved to the mortuary at Kangundo Level 4 Hospital, where it is being held pending a postmortem examination.

Meanwhile, detectives have launched a manhunt for the suspected accomplice who escaped during the exchange of gunfire.

Police are also investigating the wider network linked to the gang as they seek to establish the source and use of the firearms and other items recovered from the vehicle.

The DCI has urged members of the public with information that could assist in identifying or locating the escaped suspect to share it with authorities through the available reporting channels.