Four suspected armed robbers have been shot dead during a fierce gun battle with detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) along the Eldoret–Kiplombe–Soy Road.
The DCI, in a statement, said the suspects were killed during an intelligence-led operation mounted by detectives from the Operation Action Team (OAT).
“Four armed gangsters were fatally shot and a loaded Falcon pistol recovered after the suspects engaged detectives in a fierce gun battle during an intelligence-led operation along the Eldoret–Kiplombe–Soy Road.
“The incident unfolded after detectives from the Operation Action Team (OAT), augmented by local law enforcement officers acting on credible information from vigilant members of the public, laid an ambush,” DCI stated.
According to the DCI, the suspects were masquerading as police officers while targeting motorists and other road users before they unknowingly walked into a police ambush.
DCI noted that the suspects refused to surrender after being cornered and instead opened fire on the detectives, prompting an exchange of gunfire.
“Cornered but unwilling to surrender, the gangsters opened fire. The detectives responded swiftly, triggering a fierce exchange of gunfire that left four thugs fatally injured,” DCI said.
Two other suspects, however, managed to escape the scene on motorcycles and fled towards Eldoret Town. Detectives have since launched a manhunt to track them down.
Following the shootout, officers recovered a loaded Falcon pistol containing six rounds of ammunition, a homemade pistol, one spent cartridge, a hammer, crude housebreaking tools, balaclava masks, gloves and ropes.
Police believe the recovered items point to a criminal gang that was well-equipped to carry out violent robberies.
“Preliminary investigations indicate that the suspects are part of an organised criminal gang that has, since late last year, been impersonating police and military officers while carrying out violent robberies across the Rift Valley region.
“Armed with an AK-47 rifle and a pistol, the gang allegedly exploited the uniforms to lower the guard of unsuspecting victims before striking with precision,” DCI said.
Investigators are also examining forensic and other evidence to determine whether the suspects were involved in a robbery with violence reported at Gathioro Police Station, during which a PCEA reverend was killed, as well as several other crimes in the region.
Crime Scene Investigation (CSI) officers processed the scene before the bodies of the four deceased suspects were moved to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Mortuary pending post-mortem examinations and formal identification.
The recovered Falcon pistol has been submitted to the National Police Service Forensic Laboratory for ballistic analysis to establish whether it was used in other criminal incidents.
