DCI Launches Probe After Armed Robbers Raid Nairobi Restaurant, Rob Customers at Gunpoint

DCI Launches Probe After Armed Robbers Raid Nairobi Restaurant, Rob Customers at Gunpoint

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has launched a full-scale investigation after armed robbers raided a popular restaurant in Nairobi’s Westlands area, robbing customers at gunpoint in a brazen late-night attack that has reignited concerns over urban insecurity and the growing use of motorcycles in violent crimes.

The robbery, which occurred on Saturday night along General Mathenge Road, lasted less than a minute but left diners shaken after the suspects stormed the establishment, stole valuables and escaped before security officers arrived.

In a statement issued on Sunday, July 5, the DCI confirmed that detectives had begun investigations into the incident and were pursuing four suspects believed to have executed the robbery before fleeing towards the Parklands area.

According to investigators, the attackers arrived aboard two motorcycles before two of them entered the restaurant armed with firearms while the other riders waited outside to facilitate a quick escape.

The detectives revealed that the suspects discharged two rounds into the air as they fled, a move believed to have been aimed at intimidating members of the public and preventing pursuit.

“The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has commenced investigations into a robbery with violence incident that occurred yesterday at a restaurant along General Mathenge Road in Westlands Sub-County, Nairobi County,” the agency said.

“Four unknown suspects on two motorcycles stormed the restaurant, robbed customers of valuables, discharged two rounds into the air, and fled towards the Parklands direction,” the statement added.

The incident quickly attracted widespread public attention after closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage circulated on social media, showing the dramatic moments when the armed men entered the restaurant and ordered customers to surrender their belongings.

The footage, recorded shortly after 10:30 p.m., captured two gunmen walking confidently into the premises before confronting terrified patrons who were dining inside.

Within seconds, the suspects moved from table to table, pointing firearms at customers while collecting mobile phones, wallets and other valuables.

The entire robbery appeared carefully coordinated, with the attackers spending less than 30 seconds inside the establishment before rushing back outside where the waiting motorcycles enabled their escape.

The speed of the operation has prompted renewed concerns about criminal gangs increasingly relying on motorcycles to carry out swift attacks before disappearing into surrounding neighbourhoods.

Investigators have since begun analysing the CCTV footage alongside other forensic evidence collected at the scene in an effort to identify the suspects.

The DCI confirmed that detectives have already recorded statements from several victims, while additional witnesses are expected to assist investigators as the inquiry progresses.

Officers also recovered a spent 9mm cartridge from the scene, which has been forwarded to forensic experts for ballistic examination as part of efforts to establish the weapon used during the robbery.

Authorities say intelligence-led investigations are underway, with officers working to trace the motorcycles believed to have been used during the attack as well as identify those responsible.

“The DCI wishes to assure the public of its unwavering commitment to safeguarding the safety and security of all persons within the Republic and to ensuring that those responsible for criminal acts are held accountable and brought to justice,” the agency stated.

The robbery has once again placed the spotlight on security within Nairobi’s entertainment districts, where restaurants, cafés and shopping centres have occasionally been targeted by organised criminal groups.

Security analysts note that motorcycle-assisted robberies have become increasingly challenging for law enforcement because the suspects are able to navigate heavy traffic and escape through narrow access roads that are difficult for patrol vehicles to pursue.

The latest incident is also expected to intensify calls for enhanced police patrols in commercial areas, expanded surveillance systems and stronger collaboration between businesses and security agencies to deter violent crime.

As investigations continue, police have urged anyone with information that could assist in identifying the suspects or tracing their movements after the robbery to report the details to the nearest police station or directly to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations.

No arrests had been announced by the time of publication, and the search for the four armed suspects remains ongoing.

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DCI Launches Probe After Armed Robbers Raid Nairobi Restaurant, Rob Customers at Gunpoint