Police have identified the man killed during a dramatic shootout in Juja, Kiambu County, as 55-year-old George Wanjohi Kimani, a suspect authorities allege was linked to an organised vehicle theft syndicate operating across the region.
The fatal incident unfolded after officers reportedly spotted a stolen Toyota Vitz at a Shell petrol station along Thika Road in Juja. According to police, the driver refused to surrender when confronted and instead sped off, triggering a high-speed chase.
Authorities said officers fired at the vehicle’s tyres during the pursuit, but Kimani allegedly continued driving for nearly three kilometres on damaged rims before the chase ended in the Muigai Inn area of Juja Farm.
A shootout followed, during which the suspect sustained fatal gunshot wounds. Police recovered the stolen vehicle and have since launched further investigations into the criminal network they believe Kimani was associated with.
Investigators said Kimani had already been placed on a watchlist by a multi-agency task force probing a wider vehicle theft syndicate. Police described him as a person of interest in several ongoing investigations involving stolen vehicles.
Fresh claims emerging after the incident have painted a surprising picture of the deceased’s personal life. The owner of the recovered Toyota Vitz alleged that Kimani served as a treasurer at an ACK church along Kenyatta Road in Thika and lived near the area where he was killed.
In a Facebook post, the vehicle owner claimed Kimani was also known by several aliases, including Wanjohi, Wangeshi and Jontez. The owner further alleged that the suspect operated a shop along Kenyatta Road and had stolen the vehicle outside a church in Thika’s Section 9 area.
Police have not independently confirmed the claims regarding Kimani’s church role or business ownership, but investigations into his activities and alleged accomplices remain ongoing.
The incident has sparked mixed reactions among Kenyans, with many expressing shock that a man said to be an active church official could allegedly be linked to organised vehicle theft.
Others questioned the police response during the chase, arguing that greater caution should be exercised to avoid damage to stolen property and loss of life. Some, however, defended the operation, saying security agencies must act decisively against organised criminal gangs.
Authorities have urged anyone with information that could assist ongoing investigations into the suspected vehicle theft syndicate to report it to the nearest police station.