Mathare: 'Most wanted' gangster killed in fierce shootout with police

A suspected thug, whom authorities say is responsible for a series of robberies in Nairobi’s Eastlands area, was on Tuesday, February 14 night shot dead at Mathare’s Mlango Kubwa area, in a fierce exchange of fire with police.

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) says that the "armed and dangerous" thug only identified as Vinnie walked into a police dragnet but refused to surrender, prompting a fierce shootout between him and the Starehe-based officers.

Earlier, the sleuths had laid a trap for Vinnie who was headed for his [criminal activities] and immediately after he was ordered to stop he defied the ultimatum, reached for his firearm and began shooting indiscriminately as he attempted to escape," the DCI reports.

The suspect has been on DCI's radar for the past few months after he reportedly violently snatched a motorbike from a bodaboda operator.

The investigative agency also says that Vinnie was part of an upcoming gang responsible for a series of armed robberies within Pangani, Mathare, Eastleigh and Huruma areas.

A Retay Falcon pistol loaded with two rounds of 9mm calibre and five spent cartridges were recovered following the shootout.

His body was taken to City Mortuary awaiting identification and collection.