Four suspected thugs shot dead by police in Umoja, Nairobi, police communication gadget found

NAIROBI COUNTY: Four suspected thugs were Thursday shot dead by police along Manyanja Road, Umoja area, Nairobi.

The four were being trailed by police before they were shot dead. Police and witnesses said the men were planning to commit a robbery in the area when they were ambushed. Two guns with 13 bullets were found on the four men. Police said the men were planning to commit a robbery in Westlands when they were stopped in their salon car. They also had a police pocket phone at the time of the incident.

Buruburu OCPD Richard Kerich said the men were being trailed by police who had intelligence on their plans before the shooting happened.

“They were challenged to stop and surrender but they made movements that suggested they wanted to shoot at our officers. The officers were quick to stop them and unfortunately the four died,” said Kerich.

The 1 pm incident attracted a huge crowd in the area. It also caused a huge jam on the busy road. It increased to almost 20, the number of suspects who have been felled by police bullets in the city alone in the last two weeks.

Cases of robberies using pistols have been on the increase in the city with police struggling to contain them.

Despite there being punitive laws on illegal possession of guns, criminals are increasingly accessing them.

Police say they are facing an increase of armed crime in the city ahead of festive season. And to mitigate the incidents, prison warders have been roped in to help in patrolling the streets.

Police seem to be overwhelmed by the situation because of various issues.