Motorbikes and Phones Recovered as Police Shoot Two Robbery Suspects

Police officers in Mombasa have shot two suspected robbers during a security operation in Likoni, recovering several items believed to have been stolen during recent criminal activities. 

The operation is part of intensified patrols aimed at improving safety as the festive season approaches.

According to police, the suspects were intercepted during a routine patrol as officers tightened security in crime-prone areas within Likoni. The suspects reportedly attempted to flee when confronted, prompting officers to take action. 

During the operation, police recovered motorbikes, mobile phones, crude weapons, and other assorted items suspected to have been used in or stolen during robberies.

The Mombasa County police commander confirmed the incident and praised officers for their vigilance and commitment to keeping residents safe. 

He said the recovery of the items and the disruption of criminal activity showed that increased patrols were yielding positive results.

“I commend my officers for the good work they are doing on the ground. Their commitment to patrols and intelligence-led operations is helping us deal with insecurity,” the police boss said.

He added that security operations would continue across the county, especially during the holiday season when crime tends to rise due to increased movement of people and closure of schools. 

The commander urged residents to remain alert and work closely with the police by sharing information that could help prevent crime.

The police boss also appealed to parents and guardians to take responsibility for their children during the festive period. He warned that lack of supervision often leads to young people being lured into criminal activities.

“We are in the festive season, and schools are closed. Parents and guardians must take responsibility to ensure their children are safe and not engaging in crime,” he said.

The commander further assured residents planning to travel outside Mombasa to visit family and friends that their homes and property would be protected. 

He said police officers had been deployed strategically across the county to maintain peace and security.

In addition, police revealed that investigations are ongoing and that they have leads on other suspects believed to be linked to a series of robberies in Likoni and surrounding areas. Authorities said more arrests are expected as operations continue.

“We have intelligence and leads on other suspects. We will pursue them, and very soon they will be arrested and taken to court,” the police boss stated.

The Likoni incident comes just days after a similar operation in Nairobi’s Central Business District, where two suspected robbers were shot dead along Moi Avenue. 

In that case, police said the suspects were part of a gang that had targeted a man who had withdrawn money from a bank along Kimathi Street.

According to police reports, the victim, an official of Embassava Matatu Sacco, had withdrawn cash for office use when he was accosted by a group of about eight suspects along Kimathi Lane. The gang attacked him and escaped with an envelope containing the money.

The victim’s screams attracted the attention of members of the public, causing confusion and drawing attention to the incident. 

Plainclothes officers from Nairobi Central Police Station who were monitoring the area noticed the gang trailing the victim and moved in to intervene.

Police said that as officers attempted to arrest the suspects, some of them turned violent and allegedly attacked the officers with knives. In response, the officers opened fire, killing two of the suspects while the rest fled the scene.

Following the Nairobi incident, police recovered knives, mobile phones, and other items believed to have been stolen in previous robberies. 

Authorities said the operation was part of a wider crackdown on criminal gangs operating within the city centre.

Security agencies have since reiterated their commitment to protecting citizens and their property, especially during the holiday season. 

Police have urged the public to remain vigilant, avoid walking alone in isolated areas, and report suspicious activity immediately.