Police kill suspected phone snatcher in robbery attempt in Nairobi's Eastleigh

Police officers in Eastleigh, Nairobi on Wednesday killed a suspected phone snatcher during a botched robbery attempt.

The incident happened on Muratina Road, which residents say has recurring security issues.

According to police, the suspect and an accomplice were targeting pedestrians on Muratina Road when the alarm was raised, prompting officers stationed nearby to intervene.

The robbers reportedly attacked a pedestrian who was walking to Al-Hidaya Mosque for morning prayers along Athumani Kipande Street, commonly referred to as Jam Street. The victim was robbed of his mobile phone at gunpoint and cried for help, drawing the attention of officers guarding the nearby gold and forex market.

Officers responded promptly and pursued the suspects. During the chase, one of the robbers was shot dead while his accomplice managed to escape with the stolen phone.

Homemade gun

Police recovered a homemade gun from the deceased suspect. The firearm, described as capable of firing, is believed to have been used in the robbery.

The body of the deceased was taken to the mortuary for identification and further procedures.

Police believe the suspect who escaped sustained injuries during the confrontation. Efforts to locate and apprehend him are ongoing.

Mohamed Ismael, the deputy chairman of Eastleigh mall managers, confirmed the involvement of officers from Kamukunji Police Station, who are tasked with securing the gold and forex exchange market in the area.

"The officers are from Kamukunji Police Station and usually help in manning the gold and forex exchange market," Mohamed said.

Residents of Eastleigh have repeatedly raised concerns about insecurity on Muratina Road, which connects General Wariungi Street at the Pumwani roundabout and Juja Road at Mlango Kubwa. The area has been a hotspot for criminal activities, including muggings and phone snatchings.

Authorities have vowed to tighten security in Eastleigh to address these issues and restore confidence in the bustling business hub.

Superpower gang

The incident comes amid heightened concerns over the resurgence of the notorious Superpower gang in Eastleigh. Over the past month, there have been several cases of phone snatchings linked to the group.

In a separate incident involving the gang, police arrested three suspected members in connection with the fatal stabbing of a man in Eastleigh Section Three on December 29, 2024.

The suspects – Hassan Ali Zahir, Omar Sultan Omar, and Suleiman Abdi – are alleged to have attacked and killed Emmanuel Inyanza, a resident of Third Street in Eastleigh.

According to police, Inyanza was walking with a woman when he was confronted by the suspects. The attackers reportedly stabbed him multiple times in the chest and back, killing him on the spot.

The case was reported at the Airbase Police Post by Inyanza's father, Zacharia Muhongo.

An affidavit filed at the Makadara Law Courts by Constable Elphas Simiyu of the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Starehe revealed that the attack stemmed from a quarrel over a mobile phone.

Police officers from Airbase Police Post and DCI Starehe visited the crime scene and launched investigations, leading to the arrests. The three suspects have been remanded at Ruaraka Police Station until January 13, 2025.