Five suspects arrested in Nakuru cop killing, AK-47 rifle seized
Officers from the DCI’s Operation Action Team and Crime Research Bureau joined forces with Nakuru police in a well-coordinated operation that forced the gang out of their hideouts.
Police have apprehended five members of a notorious armed gang that had terrorized residents of Nakuru County, successfully recovering the AK-47 rifle they used during their criminal activities.
Following intelligence tips, officers from the DCI’s Operation Action Team and Crime Research Bureau joined forces with Nakuru police in a well-coordinated operation that forced the gang out of their hideouts.
After questioning the suspects, authorities moved to Nakuru’s Rhonda area, where they discovered the AK-47 bearing serial number 18916 and loaded with three bullets hidden in dry grass close to a residential property, according to County Commissioner Lyford Kibaara.
Sadly, the gang’s capture comes after a string of violent incidents that left deep scars on their victims. Notably, on the night of June 1, 2025, the group ambushed police officers on foot patrol, opening fire and killing one officer while injuring two others.
In a related case, the gang carried out a brutal robbery at a shop in Nakuru’s Soilo area, where they assaulted the 24-year-old owner with machetes and daggers before making off with hundreds of thousands of shillings from the premises.
Following the bold robbery, the gang dragged the injured young man out of the shop and fatally shot him.
According to police, three armed men carrying a rifle stormed the shop, demanding cash and valuables.
A struggle ensued, during which the gang shot and killed Duncan Elias Mwambili, 23.
He sustained a gunshot wound to the stomach and was rushed to the hospital but was declared dead on arrival.
Multiple other attacks have been reported throughout the county. Last week, an M-Pesa attendant was shot and wounded during a similar assault in the Menengai area.
A man who came to assist at the scene was also shot and killed by the fleeing gang.
The five suspects arrested have been named as William Nywhili Rioba, Nyahili Nyamuhaga Magige, Emmanuel Muita Muita, Catherine Nkatha Zakayo, and Peter Chacha. Detectives from DCI Nakuru East are preparing to arraign the suspects on Tuesday, June 3.
The DCI assures residents of Nakuru County and all Kenyans that their safety is a top priority.
Multiple anti-robbery units have been deployed and are actively pursuing identified armed gangs whose activities have been thoroughly analyzed.
These operations aim to end the reign of terror and clear the streets of violent criminals.
The recent spike in crime across the area has necessitated these intensified efforts.
