Two suspects linked to a series of robbery incidents have been apprehended by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), leading to a recovery of firearms suspected to have been used in robberies across five counties.
DCI said one of the suspects identified as Ezekiel Kiarie, had been evading capture for several days but was finally arrested as he attempted to flee to his rural home in Dundoi, Nyandarua County.
His arrest took place after the police intercepted a Mitsubishi Canter vehicle bearing registration number KAM 231J, which he was using to relocate along with his family and belongings.
SUSPECTS LINKED TO ARMED ROBBERIES ARRESTED-TWO FIREARMS RECOVERED
A robbery with violence suspect has been arrested and two firearms linked to various robberies in Nairobi, Nakuru, Kiambu, Muranga and Kajiado counties recovered by detectives.
The suspect identified as… pic.twitter.com/72X7h8jBAA
— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) June 28, 2023
“A robbery with violence suspect has been arrested and two firearms linked to various robberies in Nairobi, Nakuru, Kiambu, Muranga and Kajiado counties recovered by detectives,” the DCI statement read
A thorough search of the vehicle resulted in the discovery of a Czeska pistol with serial number B022944, along with a magazine containing 2 rounds of 9mm ammunition. Additionally, a CZ P-07 pistol with serial number C626319 and a magazine loaded with 12 rounds of 9mm calibre were also recovered.
The police have established that the firearms are linked to robberies that occurred in Nairobi, Nakuru, Kiambu, Murang’a, and Kajiado counties. The victims in these incidents reportedly lost money immediately after conducting transactions at various banks.
“The firearms have been linked to various incidents where victims have lost money immediately after making transactions in banks,” the statement confirmed.
Both Ezekiel Kiarie and his accomplice, David Mwangi (alias Mzae), who were arrested together, are currently undergoing interrogation. They are scheduled to appear in court on Thursday to face charges related to their alleged involvement in these crimes.
Recent arrests by detectives
The arrest of the two comes days after detectives from the DCI headquarters made a significant breakthrough in combating housebreaking incidents in the Syokimau area. The success came after a high-speed car chase with suspected thieves in Kasarani.
The interception of the motor vehicle involved in multiple housebreaking incidents followed numerous complaints from victims, who reported that most of the break-ins occurred during the daytime. The suspects were captured on CCTV footage circulating on various social media platforms, using a white Toyota Vanguard with counterfeit registration numbers.
In a planned operation, detectives from the DCI’s Crime Research & Intelligence Bureau located the suspects in the Roasters area of Kasarani. However, when instructed to stop, the occupants of the vehicle refused to comply and fled towards Baba Dogo, with the police in hot pursuit.
Eventually, the occupants abandoned the car in Ngei Estate and escaped on foot. The recovered vehicle had been altered from its original registration number KCX 030P to KCJ 530C, which was commonly used in their criminal activities.
Upon searching the vehicle, law enforcement discovered several stolen items, including five TV sets (three Samsung, one Vitron, and one Amtec), a PlayStation 5, a Lenovo laptop, crowbars, metal hooks, a bunch of keys, and several counterfeit number plate stickers. The recovered items were documented and preserved as evidence.
