DCI Launches Hunt for Gunmen After Daring Westlands Restaurant Robbery Caught on CCTV
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched an extensive manhunt for four armed suspects following a brazen late-night robbery at a restaurant in Nairobi’s Westlands area, where customers were held at gunpoint before the attackers escaped on motorcycles.
The incident, which occurred on Saturday night along General Mathenge Road, has sparked renewed concerns over urban crime after dramatic CCTV footage of the robbery circulated widely on social media, prompting public outrage and fresh questions about security in the capital.
In a statement issued on Sunday, July 5, the DCI confirmed that detectives had opened investigations into the robbery with violence and were pursuing four unidentified suspects believed to have carried out the attack.
“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has commenced investigations into a robbery with violence incident that occurred yesterday at a restaurant along General Mathenge Road in Westlands Sub-County, Nairobi County,” the agency said.
According to investigators, the suspects arrived aboard two motorcycles before two of them entered the restaurant while armed with firearms.
“Four unknown suspects on two motorcycles stormed the restaurant, robbed customers of valuables, discharged two rounds into the air, and fled towards the Parklands direction,” the statement added.
Terrifying CCTV Footage
Security footage reviewed by investigators shows the dramatic sequence unfolding at approximately 10:35pm.
The video appears to show two armed men entering the restaurant moments after being dropped off by accomplices waiting outside on motorcycles. Upon entering, the suspects allegedly brandished their weapons and ordered stunned customers to remain calm before demanding phones, wallets and other personal belongings.
Terrified diners are seen complying with the robbers’ demands as the gunmen moved rapidly from one table to another collecting valuables.
The entire ordeal lasted less than half a minute before the attackers hurried out of the restaurant and escaped on the waiting motorcycles.
Police believe the speed and coordination of the operation suggest the robbery may have been carefully planned.
Detectives Gather Evidence
Investigators have since recorded statements from several victims, with additional witnesses expected to assist police as efforts intensify to identify those responsible.
Crime scene officers also recovered a spent 9mm cartridge, believed to have been discharged during the incident after the suspects allegedly fired two shots into the air while fleeing.
The cartridge has been forwarded for forensic examination as detectives employ ballistic analysis, intelligence gathering and CCTV review to trace the suspects.
Authorities say the investigation remains active, with officers working to identify, arrest and prosecute everyone involved.
“The DCI wishes to assure the public of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the safety and security of all persons within the Republic and to ensuring that those responsible for criminal acts are held accountable and brought to justice,” the agency said.
Security Concerns Renewed
The robbery has reignited debate over security in Nairobi, particularly in areas frequented by businesses, restaurants and entertainment establishments.
Police have in recent years warned that criminal gangs increasingly use motorcycles to execute rapid attacks before disappearing through congested roads, making pursuit more difficult.
Detectives are urging anyone with information that could assist the investigation to come forward as efforts continue to track down the suspects behind the daring Westlands robbery.
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