ELDORET, Kenya — Four suspected gang members were killed during a shootout with detectives along the Eldoret–Kiplombe–Soy Road after an intelligence-led operation targeting a criminal gang allegedly involved in violent robberies across the Rift Valley region.
According to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), detectives from the Operation Action Team (OAT), supported by local police officers, laid an ambush after receiving intelligence from members of the public about the suspects’ movements.
Police said the suspects, who were allegedly masquerading as police officers while targeting motorists and other road users, confronted detectives during the operation.
Gun battle
The DCI said the suspects opened fire after they were cornered, prompting detectives to return fire.
Four of the suspects sustained fatal injuries during the exchange, while two others reportedly escaped on motorcycles towards Eldoret Town.
Police recovered a Falcon pistol loaded with six rounds of ammunition, a homemade firearm, a spent cartridge, a hammer, housebreaking tools, balaclava masks, gloves and ropes from the scene.
Crime Scene Investigation officers processed the scene before the bodies were moved to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital Mortuary pending post-mortem examinations and formal identification.
Probe into robbery cases
Preliminary investigations indicate the suspects were part of an organised criminal gang that has allegedly been impersonating police and military officers since late last year to commit violent robberies across the Rift Valley.
According to investigators, the gang is suspected of using police and military uniforms to gain the confidence of unsuspecting victims before carrying out robberies while armed with firearms.
The DCI said investigators are examining forensic evidence to determine whether the group was involved in the robbery with violence incident reported at Gathioro Police Station in which a PCEA minister was killed, as well as other criminal cases in the region.
The recovered Falcon pistol has been forwarded to the National Police Service Forensic Laboratory for ballistic analysis to establish whether it has been used in previous crimes.
Search for accomplices
Police have launched a manhunt for the two suspects who escaped during the operation.
The DCI appealed to members of the public to continue sharing information on criminal activities, saying intelligence from residents played a critical role in the success of the operation.
The agency maintained that investigations remain ongoing and urged anyone with information that could assist in tracing the remaining suspects to report it to the nearest police station.
Police accounts of fatal shootings represent allegations and operational reports. Independent investigations, including post-mortem examinations and forensic analysis, are expected to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident.