Moments after snatching a woman’s phone in Nairobi’s South B, three suspects were shot dead while riding on a motorcycle.

According to the police, at about 6.30 am on Wednesday May22, 2024, the three stole a cell phone from a female pedestrian close to the Car and General area and rode towards South B.

After their details were made public, an operation was launched.

“In a well orchestrated mid morning operation, the suspects who were on a motorbike, were cornered by  officers and they were ordered surrender but they opened fire to our officers.

“Our officers responded and fatally injured 3 of them. During the incident, a pistol  loaded with ammunition were recovered at the scene,” read part of police report.

All of them were shot at close range, according to witnesses. Police reported that all of the young men were under 25 years old.

Adamson Bungei, the head of Nairobi police, stated that the case is being looked into.

Prior to the police being notified, Bungei noted that the group had been attacking and robbing pedestrians along Mombasa road.

The bodies were removed to city mortuary for autopsy and identification.

According to Bungei, there has been an increase in the number of occurrences where suspects attack and steal using motorcycles before fleeing.

“We have mobilized teams to profile the gangs behind the trend,” he said.