Four thugs shot dead in Nairobi, a pistol with 18 bullets recovered

Nairobi, Kenya - Four suspected thugs were Tuesday morning shot dead in a botched robbery near Galeria area, Karen, Nairobi.

The four were killed by police who had a tip on their plans. Police who were at the scene said they recovered a pistol with 18 bullets and two motorbikes.

According to head of Special Crimes Prevention Unit Noah Katumo, the group was planning to stage a robbery in Ongata Rongai town. He said they were intercepted near Banda School as they rode to Ongata Rongai.

“The officers who were pursuing them ordered that they stop and surrender but they sped off prompting the shooting that left four dead,” said Katumo.

He said the officers shot at them because they had information the thugs were armed.

The incident caused panic at the nearby busy Galeria Shopping Mall with many mistaking for an attack. The bodies were later taken to city mortuary.

Security has been beefed up in the city ahead of the arrival of Pope Francis Wednesday evening. More officers have been posted to various social places to ensure public safety.