Four suspected robbers have been shot dead in a fierce gun battle with police officers in Eldoret City.
The four were part of a six-member gang — dressed in military-style attire — that was robbing members of the public along the Eldoret Kiplombe Road at around midnight Monday, July 6.
Officers who were on their routine patrol received intelligence of the gang’s criminal activities in the area. Acting swiftly, the officers proceeded to Greenfiled Junction area where they spotted the six individuals matching the descirption provided.
According to the National Police Service (NPS), the suspects were ordered to stop and identify themselves; however, they defied the orders and instead opened fire on the officers.
“The officers responded decisively to the imminent threat, engaging the armed suspects in a shootout,” a police report seen by TV47 Digital reads in part. “As a result, four suspects were fatally wounded, while two others fled the scene.”
Police officers believe that the two suspects who escaped had sustained gunshot wounds as a result of the shootout, and a coordinated manhunt has since been launched to apprehend them.
Authorities believe that the individuals are behind a series of robberies across the entire North Rift Region, specifically in Kitale, Kapenguria, Nandi, Marakwet and Eldoret.
A search of the scene led to the recovery of several items believed to have been used in the commission of crimes, including a loaded pistol; breaking tools comprising a wedge mallet and wedge chisel; five mobile phones; manila ropes; four identification cards; and cash.
