A suspected criminal was shot dead and a toy pistol was recovered by police in Athi River, Machakos County.
According to police reports, the suspect and his accomplices had blocked a road in the Sabaki area within Athi River South subcounty and demanded that officers surrender their belongings before the suspect was fatally shot. The incident occurred around 2:30 a.m. on Monday and was reported to the Athi River police station.
The report, provided by the OCPP Sabaki Police post, stated: “At approximately 02:30 hours, while on mobile patrol in an unmarked vehicle along the Total – Suraya murrum road, officers encountered a roadblock made of large stones.”
The report continued: “The officers were stopped and instructed by about ten thugs to hand over their possessions. One of the thugs, armed with what appeared to be a pistol, threatened the officers, while the others were equipped with crude weapons. In response, the officers opened fire, causing the thugs to flee into a nearby bush.”
The OCS, Duty officer, DCI officers, and CSI visited the scene. They found a man, estimated to be around 30 years old, fatally injured, along with a toy pistol and various crude weapons, including two pangas, clubs, a bow, and an arrow.
Police suspect that some accomplices may have escaped with injuries. The scene was documented, and the unidentified body was taken to Shalom Community Hospital Mortuary for an autopsy.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations at Athi River police station has launched an investigation into the incident.
This incident comes amid rising concerns about security in Sabaki estate and surrounding areas, particularly on the road connecting the estate to Mombasa Road near Signature Mall. On August 30, 2024, a group of youths blocked the road with stones, targeting motorists and robbing them. The situation worsened when the group attacked a woman near Four Winds estate, causing serious injuries.
Police are urging residents to stay alert and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
