A major breakthrough has been made in the investigation into the fatal shooting of Constable Benard Koome Ithai, who was gunned down in the line of duty on June 18 in Thika.
Detectives have arrested six individuals believed to be connected to the incident. The suspects Joseph Ngotho Karanja, Benjamin Kambo Mwangi, Athanase Ndacaisaba, Kelvin Mbilika Ollingo, Samuel Omurambi, and Philip Muiruri Muchiri were apprehended in a multi-agency operation carried out in the Kahawa West and Kiamumbi areas of Nairobi.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), forensic analysis led the team to a safe house in Kahawa West, where five of the suspects were found and arrested. The sixth suspect, Muiruri, was later traced and captured in Kiamumbi.
In a significant lead, officers also recovered a vehicle registration KDQ 529W believed to have been used during the crime.
Constable Koome, aged 32, lost his life in the Cravers area of Thika after confronting a boda boda rider operating an unregistered motorcycle. Witness accounts indicate that the officer was shot at close range in the throat shortly after confiscating the motorcycle’s ignition key.
The shooter is said to have escaped on foot before commandeering another motorcycle near Royale Hotel. At the crime scene, officers recovered a loaded magazine, which is now part of the ongoing forensic investigation.
The six suspects were arraigned before the Thika Law Courts, where detectives secured a 21-day custodial order to continue with investigations. The matter is scheduled for mention on August 11.
