A suspected phone snatcher was shot dead by police on Thursday, June 5 evening during a dramatic confrontation outside a mosque along Third Avenue in Nairobi’s Eastleigh area.

The incident unfolded when two men on a motorcycle allegedly snatched a mobile phone from a pedestrian and threatened to stab the victim. Police on routine patrol in the area quickly responded, pursuing the suspects as they attempted to flee the scene.

“One of the suspects was fatally shot during the exchange,” confirmed Nairobi Police Commander George Sedah. “The second suspect abandoned the motorcycle and escaped on foot. We are actively pursuing him.”

Police recovered the stolen phone and handed it back to the victim. A knife believed to have been used in the robbery, along with the getaway motorcycle, was also seized as evidence.

The incident comes amid heightened security operations in Eastleigh ahead of Eid celebrations. Locals have increasingly raised alarm over rising cases of mobile phone snatchings and robberies carried out by criminals on motorbikes.

“We’ve been living in fear, especially in the evenings. These thugs snatch phones and vanish before anyone reacts,” said Ahmed Noor, a shopkeeper in the area. “We hope this incident sends a strong message.”

Commander Sedah reassured residents that police have intensified patrols and deployed undercover officers across key parts of the city to curb street-level robberies.

“We are determined to restore public safety,” he said. “Several suspects have already been arrested and arraigned.”