In the early hours of Monday, a notorious gang leader known as the “Killer Squad” boss was shot dead in a fierce gun battle with officers from the General Service Unit (GSU). The violent exchange took place in the Eastlands area, near Kayole, after police received credible intelligence about the gang leader’s whereabouts.
According to police reports, the gang boss, whose real name has been withheld for security reasons, was armed and believed to be planning further attacks on both civilians and police officers. GSU officers set up an operation to confront him at a hideout in a residential compound. As the officers moved in, they reportedly announced themselves and called for his surrender.
But the suspect opened fire, sparking an intense gunfight that lasted several minutes. In the chaos, the gang leader and two of his close associates were shot. All three were later confirmed dead at the scene. Two GSU officers also sustained minor injuries from shrapnel and were immediately taken to a nearby hospital; they have since been discharged.
Residents in the area woke up to the sound of gunfire. One woman, Esther Mwangi, said: “I heard bullets early in the morning. I was scared for my children. The police came quickly to secure the scene.” Others praised the swift action of the GSU, saying the gang had terrorised the neighbourhood for months.
The police recovered several weapons at the site, including two pistols and an AK-47 rifle, along with ammunition. Investigators believe these were used in earlier attacks on security personnel and innocent civilians. The recovered firearms are now being tested to link them to past crimes.
Detectives say the slain gang leader led a violent group responsible for robberies, shootings, and extorting local businesses. They see his death as a major blow to organised crime in Nairobi’s informal settlements.
Nairobi regional police chief, Brigadier John Nyaga, stated, “This operation was carefully planned and executed to avoid civilian harm. We will continue to track down the rest of the gang.” He urged anyone with information to come forward, stressing that community cooperation remains vital.
This deadly shootout marks one of the most significant successes by the GSU in recent months and may provide a measure of relief to residents who have lived under the shadow of gang violence.
By Kenyans