Police recover stolen AK-47 after fatal shootout in Machakos

A suspect involved in a violent shootout with police in Matungulu, Machakos County, has been killed, leading to the recovery of an AK-47 rifle stolen from an administration police officer nine months ago.

Acting on intelligence regarding a gang terrorizing the Mashokani area, detectives intercepted a Toyota Harrier along the Koma–Kenol Highway. The occupants opened fire on officers, triggering a gunfight. One suspect, armed with the stolen AK-47, was fatally wounded, while an accomplice armed with a pistol escaped on foot. Police have launched a manhunt for the fleeing individual.

Investigations revealed the recovered rifle was the same weapon stolen during an attack in Athi River in November 2025. During that incident, three armed men shot an administration police officer in the chest and legs before fleeing with his rifle and mobile phone. In addition to the firearm, detectives recovered eight mobile phones, four balaclavas, crowbars, and torches from the suspects' vehicle.