Nairobi Terminus Railways Police Station DCIO Nancy Muthuri (centre) with police officers at the scene where a man was gunned down and another arrested while vandalizing SGR in Athi River, Machakos County on Sunday. [Photo|MOwiti]
A 35-year-old man has been shot dead and another arrested alive while vandalizing Standard Gauge Railway in Athi River, Machakos County.
Joe Murimi died on the spot after he was killed by police officers at Stage39 Bridge in Kwa Mang’eli Slum at 3.00am.
His colleague Bosco Mugambi (38) was arrested by the officers who found them hiding in nappier grass along River Athi during the operations.
The operations were led by Nairobi Terminus Railways Police Station DCIO Nancy Muthuri and OCS Isaac Kamau.
Police recovered seven metal plates belonging to SGR at the scene after killing one suspect and arresting the other.
Police sources said the suspects were three and the third one escaped with bullet injuries, according to the Star.
“The three suspects moved from Syiokimau area to Athi River along the SGR line where they vandalized the railway,” said the source.
The officer said police who had been trailing the three laid ambush at them leading to the death and arrest.
According to the officers, the three were among cartels who vandalize SGR between Nairobi and Athi River for metals which they sell as scrap metals to local dealers.
“We have been conducting operations along the SGR line, we are still combing the area for more suspects who we believe are in their hideouts,” said the source who confided to the Star since she is not authorized to talk to the press.
“This suspect has confessed they vandalized and stole metal from the railway last Friday, it is a cartel vandalizing SGR and selling its metal to local scrap metal dealers,” added she.
Police said most parts of the SGR line in the area had been vandalized.
They called on hospitals to be alert and report anybody who seeks medication in their facilities with bullet wounds.
The deceased were taken to city mortuary while the arrested man detained at Athi River Police Station.
The incident occurred barely a day after flying squad officers gunned down five thugs in Kangundo and Kathiani Sub Counties in Machakos County.
The gang was felled down by the police on Saturday.