MACHAKOS, Kenya — A man believed by investigators to be one of the suspects behind the recent armed robbery at a restaurant in Nairobi’s upscale Spring Valley area has been killed during a police operation in Joska, Machakos County.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said the suspect died following an exchange of gunfire with detectives who had tracked him to a house in Joska Town, where he was allegedly hiding.
The operation comes days after armed men raided a restaurant along General Mathenge Road in Westlands, robbing diners of phones and other valuables before escaping on motorcycles.
According to the DCI, the suspect was also being investigated over a series of violent robberies reported across Nairobi, Kiambu and Machakos counties.
Raid in Joska
In a statement released on Monday 13, July 2026, detectives said officers from DCI Headquarters and DCI Matungulu acted on intelligence indicating that the suspect was staying at a house belonging to his girlfriend in Joska.
Police said officers identified themselves and ordered the occupants to open the door.
However, according to investigators, the suspect allegedly responded by firing at the officers through a kitchen window.
Detectives returned fire.
After securing the house, officers found the suspect inside with fatal injuries.
No police officer was reported injured during the operation.
Firearm recovered
The DCI said detectives recovered a Beretta pistol fitted with a magazine containing four rounds of 9mm ammunition.
Investigators also recovered additional ammunition, spent cartridges and three mobile phones from the house.
The firearm has since been submitted to the National Police Service Forensic Laboratory (NPSFL) for ballistic examination.
The forensic analysis is expected to establish whether the weapon was used in the Spring Valley robbery or other violent crimes under investigation.
Ballistic testing is routinely used to compare bullets and cartridge casings recovered from crime scenes with weapons recovered from suspects.
Investigators hope the examination will help determine whether the firearm matches evidence collected from previous robbery incidents.
Link to Spring Valley robbery
The suspect is alleged to have participated in a daylight robbery that occurred along General Mathenge Road in Spring Valley, one of Nairobi’s most affluent neighbourhoods.
During that incident, four armed men riding two motorcycles stormed a restaurant, robbed customers and reportedly fired shots into the air before escaping.
The attack attracted widespread public attention after videos circulated online showing terrified patrons taking cover as the robbery unfolded.
Following the incident, investigators recovered a spent 9mm cartridge from the scene and launched an extensive intelligence-led investigation.
At the time, the DCI said detectives were analysing CCTV footage and recording statements from victims and witnesses.
The agency has not publicly disclosed the identity of the deceased suspect.
Investigation continues
Police say the operation represents a significant breakthrough in the investigation but insist that the case remains active.
Detectives are now pursuing other suspects believed to have participated in the Spring Valley robbery and related criminal activities.
The DCI confirmed that a manhunt is underway for additional members of the group.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations reaffirms its commitment to dismantling violent criminal networks and ensuring that all those involved in serious crimes face the full force of the law,” the agency said.
Growing concern over armed robberies
The incident comes amid growing public concern over armed robberies targeting businesses, motorists and pedestrians in parts of Nairobi and its surrounding counties.
Security analysts note that motorcycle-assisted robberies have become increasingly common because suspects can quickly navigate traffic congestion and escape before police respond.
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Authorities have repeatedly pledged to intensify intelligence-led operations against organised criminal gangs operating in the Nairobi metropolitan area.
Whether the suspect killed in Joska was directly involved in the Spring Valley robbery will likely depend on the outcome of forensic examinations, witness evidence and ongoing investigations.
For now, detectives say the recovered firearm and other exhibits may provide crucial leads in efforts to unravel the wider criminal network believed to be behind a string of violent robberies across the region.
