Machakos: Stolen police rifle recovered after deadly shootout

An AK-47 rifle, stolen from a police officer in Mavoko in November 2025, has been recovered nine months later in Machakos County. The recovery took place after detectives, acting on intelligence, intercepted a gang of criminals who were attempting to evade capture. These suspects were driving a Toyota Harrier along the Koma–Kenol Highway when they came under fire from detectives. Despite being outgunned, the gang continued to shoot, creating a dangerous situation on the highway.

One of the suspects, armed with a pistol, fled the scene and managed to escape. However, his accomplice was fatally shot by detectives. The body of the deceased suspect was transported to Kangundo Level 4 Hospital mortuary for an autopsy.

The recovered AK-47 rifle, which was one of 11 rounds of 7.62×39mm ammunition still loaded, was identified as the same firearm that had been stolen from the police officer during a violent robbery in Mavoko. During that incident, three armed men ambushed the officer while he was guarding a residence in Athi River. They shot the officer on the chest and both legs before making their escape with the rifle and the officer's mobile phone.

A search of the suspects' vehicle yielded additional evidence, including eight mobile phones, four balaclavas, crowbars, and torches. While detectives have processed the scene and are pursuing the escaped suspect, his identity and whereabouts remain unknown. The investigation aims to not only recover the stolen weapon but also to unravel the broader criminal network of the gang involved.