Authorities have made a breakthrough in the investigation surrounding the tragic murder of Detective David Mayaka as the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) announced the successful takedown of one of the suspects responsible for the crime.
The suspect, identified as John Kamau, also known as Farouk, was gunned down by law enforcement officers Tuesday morning in a confrontation that left him dead.
According to the DCI, Kamau was implicated in the “cold-blooded murder” of Detective David Mayaka in Kayole two weeks prior.
The suspect had been on the run since the incident, but his luck ran out as DCI detectives cornered him.
In a tense standoff, Kamau refused to surrender and instead opened fire on the officers.
“In the face of imminent danger, our officers responded with the necessary force to protect themselves and neutralised the suspect,” DCI said on X formerly Twitter.
Kamau, armed with the CZ pistol that had been used to fatally shoot Mayaka, emerged from his apartment in Njiru and fired at the officers, injuring one on his left thigh.
In response, the officers retaliated swiftly and efficiently, ending Kamau’s life in the dawn operation on the second floor of flat B4-124.
The operation was executed by an elite team of detectives from the Crime Research & Intelligence Bureau. “Our officers acted with courage and precision, ensuring the safety of the public and bringing justice to Detective Mayaka,” the DCI said.
The firearm in question, a CZ pistol with serial number B626735, loaded with 12 rounds of 9mm caliber, was recovered at the scene.
Additionally, a backpack containing various mobile phones, believed to have been obtained through violent means from victims of crime in the city, was also found.
Ballistic experts from the DCI National Forensic Laboratory are conducting preliminary investigations into the firearm. the DCI revealed that “this firearm has been linked to multiple armed robberies across Nairobi and Kiambu counties over the past year.”
Further investigation has led detectives to establish that the CZ pistol was originally stolen from an aide to a former Cabinet Secretary in a robbery incident reported on November 17, 2021, in Ngong, Kajiado County.
The aide, who was a licensed firearm holder, was ambushed by a gang armed with an AK-47 assault rifle and crude weapons. The robbers seized the CZ pistol with serial number B626735 and 55 rounds of 9mm caliber from the aide’s secure storage.
The recent operation comes on the heels of the arrest of another significant suspect in the murder case.
Alex Wanjiru, aged 23, was apprehended last week in Kikuyu, Kiambu County. Wanjiru was identified as the motorbike rider used during the night of Detective Mayaka’s murder.
“Through relentless efforts, our officers tracked down Wanjiru and apprehended him at his grandmother’s compound in Ruthingiti village,” DCI said on X formerly Twitter.
The motorbike, a red Boxer with registration number KMGJ 350V, was confiscated.
Efforts to bring all responsible parties to justice continue as a manhunt for a third suspect, Henry Njihia, is currently underway. The authorities caution the public and encourage any information on Njihia’s whereabouts to be reported promptly.
Detective David Mayaka, stationed at DCI Makadara, lost his life tragically on the night of August 8 alongside his wife Kemunto Mayaka. The couple was ambushed by a gang of three while changing a flat tire, an event captured by CCTV cameras nearby.
As the investigation progresses, the injured detective is in stable condition at a city hospital, and the DCI extends its wishes for his speedy recovery.
“We remain committed to ensuring justice for Detective Mayaka and his family, and we will continue to work tirelessly to uphold the law and protect our communities,” the DCI said.
