One killed as armed suspects storm Kamulu home and escape police net

A man was fatally injured after suspected robbers invaded a family home and held occupants hostage before engaging police as they escaped in Kamulu, Machakos County.

Police said the man was attacked with a machete as the suspects fled the scene.

According to police, the incident occurred on Tuesday at about 9:50 p.m. in the Acre Tano area.

Police said three men armed with crude weapons accosted a homeowner as he returned from work and attempted to close his gate after entering his compound.

The suspects allegedly took him hostage and forced him into the house, where other family members were present.

Police said the intruders herded the family into the master bedroom before ransacking the house in search of cash and valuables.

The suspects also allegedly compelled the victims to transfer money from their mobile phones and bank accounts to an M-Pesa account believed to be under their control.

During the ordeal, the victim's wife reportedly managed to discreetly contact a neighbour, who alerted other residents and police officers.

Police responded and arrived at the scene while the suspects were still inside the house.

Upon noticing the presence of police officers and members of the public gathering outside, the suspects fled through the main gate and escaped into nearby tall grass.

Police said some of the valuables believed to have been stolen were dropped during the escape as officers exchanged fire with the fleeing suspects.

Despite efforts by officers to stop them, the suspects escaped.

Police said one of the neighbours who had responded to the distress call was fatally injured after being attacked with a machete by the fleeing suspects.

According to police, five rounds of 7.62mm ammunition were fired from an AK-47 rifle and one round from a G3 rifle during the incident.

A multi-agency operation involving officers from Muungano Police Station and K-9 personnel from Ruai was launched immediately after the incident, with security teams continuing to pursue the suspects.

Investigations are ongoing as authorities seek to identify and arrest those involved in the reported robbery and killing.

In a separate incident, police in Mathioya Sub-County, Murang’a County, launched investigations into the death of a 76-year-old man whose body was found on a farm near his home.

The body was discovered lying on a farm in Kangui village, Kambara Sub-location. Police visited the scene and identified the deceased as Leonard Kimani Kamiri, who lived alone.

Police said the body was found a few metres from his house by his son, Julius Maina, who had visited his father's homestead after attending a neighbour's burial ceremony.

Investigators said the deceased had visible injuries on the back, head and left leg, as well as a broken right hand near the shoulder, prompting inquiries into the circumstances surrounding his death.

The scene was processed, and investigations into the incident are ongoing.