Suspect in Pipeline fatal shooting now linked to string of robberies
Entrance to the Nakuru law courts.
One suspect has been arrested in connection with the murder of Jackson Mwangi, the 54-year-old man who was fatally shot on May 21 in Pipeline estate.
The suspect, identified as Jackson Anyangu Ochito, was apprehended in the early hours of May 25 at around 12:15 a.m.
He was arraigned the following day, where the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) filed an application seeking 21 days to carry out further investigations.
According to a sworn affidavit by the investigating officer, Bernad Kechei, Mwangi’s murder was part of a disturbing crime wave that swept through Pipeline area between May 21 and May 23.
On the night of Mwangi’s murder, a string of violent robberies took place across the neighbourhood. At around 8:30 p.m. on May 21, Josephine Mwihaki was closing her shop when she was approached by two armed men, one carrying a rifle.
They threatened her and made off with her belongings.
Just thirty minutes later, another robbery was reported at the Pakawa Police Station. Joseph Kuguma, who had just left his workplace, was ambushed by two men who ordered him to lie down.
They robbed him of cash and his mobile phone before fleeing the scene.
The violence continued two days later. On the night of May 23, at about 7:45 p.m., three men on a motorcycle targeted a barber shop and a nearby store in the Nyonjoro area. One of the assailants was armed with a firearm, while another wielded a hammer.
They stole valuables from both premises.
Shortly afterward, another tragic incident occurred. Paul Ndung’u, 49, was fatally shot near Ndege Catholic Church.
The attackers, believed to be the same group, fled the scene on a motorcycle. Two 7.65mm cartridges were recovered and have been submitted for ballistic testing.
Officer Kechei stated that the five incidents were linked by similarities in the method used, geographic proximity, and suspect descriptions.
“During the arrest of Jackson Anyangu, we recovered a motorcycle with registration number KMFX 699R, a hammer suspected to have been used in one of the robberies, and three mobile phones,” said Kechei.
He also mentioned that Ochito is connected to other ongoing investigations within Nakuru County.
The DCI is seeking additional time to conduct interrogations, carry out an identification parade, and trace other suspects who are still at large.
Investigators also plan to perform ballistic and forensic analysis on the recovered cartridges, conduct post-mortems on the deceased victims, collect more witness statements, and analyse communication data.
Senior Resident Magistrate Emmanuel Soita granted the DCI 14 days to complete their investigations. In the meantime, the suspect will remain in custody at the Central Police Station.
The case is set to be mentioned again on June 9 for further directions