Detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) have recovered a firearm belonging to Court of Appeal Judge Justice Aggrey Muchelule following a dramatic hours-long shootout in Joska, Machakos County. The Beretta pistol was found on a robbery suspect who was neutralised during the operation.
The Westlands Restaurant Attack
The judge’s firearm went missing on July 4 when a gang of armed robbers stormed the Chaiiwali restaurant in Westlands, Nairobi, robbing patrons at gunpoint. Justice Muchelule was among those present at the establishment when the robbery took place. He reported the theft of his service pistol to police immediately.
The Manhunt
DCI detectives launched an intensive manhunt, piecing together intelligence from CCTV footage, witness accounts, and informants. The trail led investigators to Joska, where a suspect believed to be part of the Westlands gang was tracked down.
During the confrontation, the suspect reportedly opened fire at officers, triggering a prolonged exchange of gunfire. The suspect was fatally shot during the operation. Upon searching the body, officers recovered the Beretta pistol, which was confirmed through its serial number to be the one belonging to Justice Muchelule.
DCI Statement
The DCI confirmed the recovery of the firearm and said investigations into the wider robbery gang are ongoing. Further arrests are expected as detectives pursue other suspects believed to have participated in the July 4 attack.
The recovery is a significant development in what had become a high-profile case given the status of the victim. It also comes amid renewed calls for better security at entertainment spots in Nairobi’s Westlands area, which has seen a spike in targeted robberies in recent months.
CCTV Played a Key Role
CCTV footage from the restaurant, which showed the moment the armed gang entered and terrorised patrons, had been widely circulated on social media and is believed to have assisted in identifying key suspects in the case.
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