BUURI EAST, MERU COUNTY – A pair of armed robbers, filmed storming an M-Pesa shop in broad daylight, have been arrested following a swift response by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI). An AK47 rifle used in the attack has also been recovered.
The two suspects, now in custody, had allegedly been terrorising residents across Buuri East, Tigania West, and neighbouring areas. Their recent crime spree included a brazen robbery that was caught on CCTV and shared widely on social media.
“It was a terrifying moment,” said a shopkeeper in the area who asked not to be named. “You could hear the gunshots, and everyone just ran for cover.”
Gunfire at Mungania Shopping Centre
The arrests followed an exchange of gunfire near Mungania Shopping Centre earlier this week. According to police reports, the gang had tried to rob a member of the National Police Reserve (NPR). When the officer fired two warning shots into the air, the gunmen panicked. They dropped their weapon—a loaded AK47 rifle—and fled the scene.
Detectives, already monitoring the area due to a rise in insecurity, arrived within minutes.
Their search quickly led them to a suspicious vehicle, a Toyota Vitz with number plate KCE 435Q, abandoned near the scene. Inside was one of the suspects, Christian Saina Korosian, who was cornered as she tried to escape. A second suspect, Moses Kayiok Noomeyo, was found hiding in a nearby house.
Robbery Before the Shootout
Just hours before the shootout, the gang had carried out a violent robbery at Maritati Centre in Timau. Dressed in military-style camouflage and carrying two AK47 rifles, they stormed into an M-Pesa shop and demanded access.
When the attendant hesitated, one of the gunmen fired. She narrowly escaped, ducking into a back room. Undeterred, the attackers smashed display cases and stole 15 smartphones.
“They shot a customer who was walking in, unaware of what was going on,” said the DCI in a statement. “The bullet struck his right hip. Another shot hit a second victim in the arm.”
CCTV footage of the robbery showed the suspects in jungle green trousers—similar to those later recovered from the getaway vehicle.
Case Building, Manhunt Continues
The two suspects are being held at a local police station, awaiting formal charges. Detectives say more arrests are likely.
“This is not over,” said a senior officer at the Embu DCI unit. “There’s at least one more suspect out there, and we’re closing in.”
The recovered firearm and ammunition are being held as evidence. Police believe the weapons may be linked to other recent crimes in the area.
Residents, meanwhile, say they feel a little safer—but remain cautious.
“We hope this is the end of it,” said a local boda boda rider. “But with guns like that out there, you can’t take chances.”
