Robbery suspect shot dead, two arrested in police raid

Nyeri OCPD Joseph Leshimpiro (left) leads display of household items recovered from a gang, yesterday. [PHOTO: JOB WERU/STANDARD]

By JOB WERU

KENYA: Police in Nyeri County shot dead a suspected robber and arrested two others in a robbery attempt in a supermarket. During the Thursday evening incident, police also recovered a motor vehicle and a pistol, a Tokalev, loaded with three rounds of ammunition.

Area OCPD Joseph Leshimpiro said the gang was accosted by police in Ithekahuno area in Tetu, as they moved to stage the robbery in a local supermarket. Leshimpiro said members of the public tipped police officers who moved to the scene.

The gang then pulled in a Toyota Probox vehicle, registration number KBP 602N. The vehicle had its registration number masked in a black insulator tape, hence making them appear to be KBB 688M.

Declined to stop

“The officers challenged the gang to stop, but they declined at the same time started shooting. This forced the officers who laid ambush to fire back and killing one gang member on the spot,” said Leshimpiro.

Two other suspects were arrested. And in the ensuing raid, police also impounded another vehicle suspected to have been used by the gang to ferry stolen items. The vehicle had household items, among them an old mattress and other bedding, gas cylinder, television set, a mobile phone and other items.  “We arrested the two who are helping us with investigations and we will charge them in court once we complete the probe,” said Leshimpiro.

The recovery comes in the wake of increased criminal activities within Nyeri town and its environs. The OCPD said police have intensified patrols in Nyeri town where such attacks have been reported.

He singled out Skuta and Ruring’u areas, where members of the public have been complaining of increased attacks by criminals, mostly burglars. In the recent past, several homes have been broken into and property of an unknown value stolen.

The gangs raid unmanned homes where they break into and steal property, mostly electronics and household items.

 “We have intensified patrols in the areas and we are also calling on members of the public to be more vigilant and involve us so that we can crack on the gangs,” said Leshimpiro.

He also warned motorcycle operators who are breaking the law by operating late at night, saying it is suspected they are being used by criminals in their raids.