DCI Pursuit Ends in Gunfire, Suspected Serial Car Thief Killed in Juja

A suspected serial car theft suspect has been shot dead following a dramatic high-speed chase and exchange of gunfire with detectives along Kenyatta Road in Juja, Kiambu County. The deceased, identified as George Kimani Wanjohi, died after detectives caught up with him just a short distance from his home, bringing an end to a pursuit that drew large crowds and briefly paralyzed traffic in the area.

According to eyewitnesses, the incident began at a petrol station along Kenyatta Road, where Wanjohi had allegedly parked a suspected stolen Toyota Vitz before being dropped off by a motorcycle rider. Witnesses said detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), who were reportedly monitoring his movements, moved in to arrest him. Realizing he was being followed, Wanjohi allegedly jumped into the vehicle and sped off, triggering a high-speed chase.

The pursuit, involving a DCI double-cab pickup, lasted for approximately seven minutes along Kenyatta Road. Witnesses reported hearing several gunshots during the chase, claiming that the suspect continued driving despite allegedly being shot in the leg. The chase eventually ended just metres from Wanjohi’s residence after detectives rammed the vehicle to force it to a stop.

Residents who witnessed the dramatic confrontation said officers surrounded the vehicle immediately after it came to a halt, carefully checking whether there were any other occupants inside before approaching the suspect. They described Wanjohi as heavily injured, with blood reportedly covering the driver’s seat. A firearm allegedly believed to belong to the suspect was also said to have remained inside the vehicle during the confrontation.

The incident quickly attracted dozens of boda boda riders and residents, many of whom reportedly recognized Wanjohi. Witnesses said an angry crowd attempted to attack the suspect while detectives struggled to secure the scene and disperse the gathering by firing warning shots into the air. The crowd allegedly assaulted the suspect before police managed to regain control of the situation.

Despite efforts to save him, witnesses said Wanjohi appeared critically injured and was eventually moved into a police vehicle before being taken away. He was later confirmed dead. Officers from Mugutha Police Station subsequently arrived at the scene and removed the body as investigations commenced.

Wanjohi had previously featured in a TV47 investigative report aired four months ago, which linked him to the alleged theft of a vehicle that had been stolen outside a church in Thika. CCTV footage from that incident reportedly captured a man believed to be Wanjohi breaking into the vehicle before driving away with it.

Police records also indicate that Wanjohi had previously been arrested by the DCI in January 2024 over the alleged theft of a Toyota Fielder. In addition, he reportedly had a pending case before the Makadara Law Courts, where he faced charges related to the alleged theft of a Toyota Probox.

Despite the allegations against him, residents described Wanjohi as a familiar figure in the neighbourhood. Some said he worshipped at a local Pentecostal Evangelistic Fellowship of Africa (PEFA) church and was well known among boda boda operators in the area. Several riders recalled that he regularly hired motorcycles and paid for the services, although they acknowledged that they were unaware of his alleged criminal activities.

Police had not issued an official statement on the incident by the time of publication, while efforts to obtain comments from senior officers in Juja were unsuccessful. Investigations into the fatal shooting and the circumstances surrounding the pursuit remain ongoing.