Wanted criminal gunned down in Kisumu

Police in Kisumu have shot dead a wanted criminal who had escaped their dragnet for a long time.

The suspect, Mohammed Hussein Sharrif alias Mzito, was gunned down on Saturday in Riat, a few metres from the Kisumu International Airport.

Kisumu County Commander Nelson Njiri said the suspect had been on police radar following a series of violent robberies committed earlier.

Mr Njiri said the suspect had been earlier arrested after a four-man gang staged a robbery at Tim Sales in Kibos and made away with Sh100, 000.

"Mr Hussein was released on a cash bail of Sh102,000 but investigations revealed that he was involved in yet another robbery at Egima Hotel where a watchman was killed on October 9," said Njiri.

He said that CCTV cameras captured Hussein at the scene of crime.

On Saturday, he was traced to his home after the public tipped off police officers that he had a gun in his house.

The police raided his house and gunned him down when he defied orders to surrender.

"We managed to recover a homemade gun, which could actually fire bullets, and three rounds of ammunition," said Njiri.

The suspect is said to be part of gangsters who have been terrorising residents of Kisumu West, Riat, Mamboleo, Ahero, Kanyakwar and Migosi estates.

Meanwhile, Inspector General of Police Joseph Boinnet at the weekend indicated that Kisumu was among regions police were monitoring due to increased cases of insecurity.

While officially opening a police post in Nyalenda, Mr Boinnet promised enhanced security in Kisumu and urged the public to volunteer information that could lead to arresting of wanted criminals.

During the function, Boinnet and Kisumu Central legislator Ken Obura clashed over the crackdown on illicit liquor.

"Police should stop disturbing those who are drinking alcohol but instead deal with real crime such as robbery and murder," said Mr Obura, amidst cheers from the crowd.

The IG, however, told him off noting that the crackdown on illicit liquor was countrywide and there was no way Kisumu would be treated as a special case.