Police in Kirinyaga County shot and killed a suspected criminal connected to multiple robbery incidents in the region.
The suspect died on May 1, 2026, during a confrontation with officers in Mwea East Subcounty.
Authorities stated they responded to a tip from residents who reported seeing the suspect, who had been linked to several robbery and burglary cases.
According to police, he had been captured on CCTV footage regarding a recent robbery reported in April.
Police records show that Kinyua was an escapee from Kerugoya Prison, where he had been detained since 2022 facing charges including robbery with violence and burglary.
When officers located him, they attempted to make an arrest. However, police claim the suspect produced a button sword, causing officers to open fire, resulting in fatal injuries.
The body was transferred to Kerugoya Funeral Home pending a post-mortem examination as investigations continue.
The incident drew a crowd at the location.
In a separate incident, a suspected armed robber was killed by a mob in Shanzu, Kisauni Subcounty, Mombasa, following a chase involving two suspects on a motorcycle.
The event took place on May 1, 2026, at approximately 1:08 pm.
Police reported that the two suspects, believed to be armed robbers, were chased by the public when they reached the Pendua area. One of them, identified as 49-year-old Kitonga Mauta, fell from the motorcycle.
He was reportedly carrying a pistol.
The mob caught up with him and killed him through mob justice. The second suspect escaped on the motorcycle and remains at large.
At the scene, authorities recovered a pistol identified as a Forjas Taurus PT 191 along with five rounds of 9mm ammunition.
The weapon has been secured at the station’s armoury.
Police also determined that during the chase, the suspects fired multiple shots, injuring a 29-year-old civilian.
He suffered gunshot wounds to his left palm and right shoulder and was taken to White Life Hospital, where he received treatment and was discharged in fair condition.
The deceased’s body was transported to Coast General Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary awaiting a post-mortem examination.
Police have initiated a search for the second suspect as investigations continue.
In Bokoli, Bungoma County, a suspect was killed by a mob during a failed robbery attempt.