The search for a firearm snatched from a police officer in Umoja, Nairobi on Monday ended tragically when the suspect and his accomplice were shot dead last evening.
Osman Suleiman alias Masudi is accused of grabbing a pistol from Corporal John Mbae during a fracas at Bee centre in Umoja estate.
The pistol serial no. B022658 had 14 bullets.
Corporal Mbae, in the company of two other colleagues, had gone to break up an unruly group that had congregated at the shopping centre, police said.
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During the commotion, Osman, who was then a pillion passenger, grabbed the gun and shot at the officer.
"Unfortunately, the bullet injured a member of the public namely Willy Mwikya Nzuki who was passing by on the neck," police said in a report filed at the Buruburu Police Station.
Mr Nzuki was rushed to the Mama Lucy Kibaki Hospital and is stable condition.
Search
Detectives from the Directorate of the Criminal Investigations trailed Osman and his accomplice to Spine Road in Kayole, Nairobi.
When they were challenged to surrender, Osman fired at the officers and was shot dead.
"His accomplice was lucky to escape but not for long. Detectives gave chase and killed him at the Dandora bridge, after he failed to surrender," said the officers.
They added, "The stolen Police firearm a Ceska pistol, loaded with 12 rounds of 9mm calibre, was recovered from Masood."
"Also recovered from the second suspect identified as Dan was a Jericho Pistol."
Murder
Elsewhere, detectives are holding a police constable attached to Nyari Police Patrol Base in Gigiri, Nairobi for allegedly shooting dead his friend he had been chewing khat with.
Edgar Mokamba was guarding the patrol base on Tuesday when he was joined by a friend who regularly visited him.
"Shockingly, a blast of shots was heard hours later where the officer in-charge of the base rushed to the scene only to find the lifeless body of the victim at the driver's seat of his Toyota Probox," said the detectives.
Mokamba is accused of firing 10 bullets from his AK47.
"Detectives have launched investigations to establish the motive behind the killing."