Thugs shoot dead policeman in Nairobi’s Korogocho slums

By Cyrus Ombati

Nairobi, Kenya:  A police officer was Friday  night shot dead by men believed to be thugs in an ambush in Nairobi's Korogocho slums.

Nothing was stolen from him after the 11pm incident and the gang escaped soon after the shooting. 

Police say the deceased constable was in the company of two other officers and they had arrested two suspected muggers. They were attacked while escorting them to a local police station.

Nairobi police boss Benson Kibui said the deceased was hit in the head at close range and died on the spot as his colleagues ducked for safety. 

"It seems they wanted to free the arrested men because they shot at the officer flooring him before escaping into darkness," said Kibui.

The other suspects who the attackers wanted to free did not escape. Police are interrogating them to establish if there was any link to the attack.

The killing of the officer is the latest in a series of insecurity incidents being experienced in Nairobi.

In the past month alone, up to 20 people have been killed in gun related attacks in the city.

Gangs of muggers have been attacking pedestrians in the city robbing them of their valuables and police blame the situation on the return of hawkers.

City Hall seems to have silently allowed the traders to the streets where the attackers hide and strike.