The leader of Katombi gang that has been terrorising Starehe residents in Nairobi was killed on Monday night, detectives have said.
Detectives said Ngaruiya was the head of the infamous gang that is known for operating with impunity across the Mathare valley and neighbouring estates.
According to detectives, the gang leader together with four of his accomplices attacked a pedestrian at gunpoint and stole his mobile phone and other valuables.
“So daring was Ngaruiya and his Katombi mates, one of whom was identified as Kabuda, that they staged the attack at 4pm along Mau Mau Road in Bondeni, Mathare subcounty,” detectives said.
As the matter was happening, the police got wind of the attack and a contingent of officers from DCI Starehe was immediately mobilised.
What followed was a manhunt for the gang.
“The thugs who didn’t know that they were being trailed, continued with their brazen attacks against innocent civilians.”
Detectives added that after two hours at around 6pm, the corporal in charge of the mission spotted the gang of five deep inside the informal settlement, adjacent to the river.
“A chase ensued as the detectives launched their assault against the gang members, after they defied orders to stop. They ran towards different directions as Ngaruiya fired at the fast approaching detectives.”
Ngaruiya was fatally wounded in an exchange of fire with the detectives.
The other four thugs dived into the river infested with raw sewage and managed to escape.
An ultimatum of 24 hours has been issued to the known thugs who escaped to surrender, failing which detectives said they will suffer dire consequences.
Edited by CM
