By Mumo Judah
May 28, 2026
Panic gripped residents, traders and motorists along CITAM Church Road in Jamhuri, Nairobi, on Thursday morning after a suspected armed robbery mission ended in dramatic scenes of gunfire, a police chase and the arrest of one suspect while his accomplice escaped.
The incident unfolded in the busy neighborhood as members of the public went about their normal activities before chaos suddenly erupted when two suspects riding on a motorcycle allegedly began robbing unsuspecting pedestrians and motorists.
Security officers on patrol responded swiftly after distress calls from the public alerted them to the unfolding robbery incident.
According to reports, the suspects attempted to flee immediately after spotting police officers approaching the scene. During the chase, several gunshots were fired as the suspects allegedly tried to intimidate both pursuing officers and frightened civilians.
One of the suspects, believed to have been the pillion passenger on the motorcycle, was intercepted and arrested at the scene while the rider managed to escape, triggering a manhunt within the area.
Authorities later recovered a homemade pistol from the arrested suspect alongside a spent cartridge and a bullet believed to have been discharged during the confrontation.
Witnesses described moments of fear and confusion as people scampered for safety after hearing gunshots along the usually busy road near CITAM Church.
The situation nearly turned chaotic after angry members of the public attempted to attack the suspect before officers restored calm and secured the scene.
The incident is the latest in a series of security operations targeting armed criminal gangs within Nairobi as authorities intensify patrols and surveillance in identified crime hotspots across the city.
Investigations into the attempted robbery are ongoing as detectives pursue the escaped suspect believed to be linked to a wider criminal network operating within Nairobi.
