Police kill four suspected thugs after tip-off, recover goods

Police have gunned down four suspected thugs at Kabakasi area within the expansive Embobut forest in Elgeyo Marakwet County.

Security forces have also launched a manhunt for four others who managed to escaped with bullet wounds into the forest during the Monday evening incident. The four are said to be armed with two AK 47 rifles and pangas.

The gang believed to comprise eight member has been terrorising and robbing passengers of their cash and other valuables along the Chesoi-Kapyego road at Kimanich area, and escaping into the forest.

Sambirir Chief Benjamin Kipkemboi said passengers who had earlier been robbed by the gang alerted members of the public. "Police from Chesoi and Kerbut stations were consequently alerted and together with members of the public went into the forest where the thugs had been spotted. They were found making tea," said the administrator.

Mr Kipkemboi said immediately the gang spotted the police officers, they tried to flee while shooting at them.

OCDP Emmanuel Rono said three gangsters died on the spot in the ensuing gun fire, with one succumbing to injuries while being removed from the forest. He added that  the officers recovered valuables that had been reported missing.

"We are pursuing the other members of the gang who escaped into the forest while armed with guns and appealing to members of the public to report any person with bullet injuries," said the OCPD. He lauded the public for alerting the police about the gang and identifying their hideout in the forest.

The police chief said the gunning down of the gangsters would help reduce crime high crime rate in the area. He noted that gangsters had been staging daring daylight robberies along the busy road and targeting traders.