Police gun down suspected highway robbers

By Mercy Kahenda

NAKURU, KENYA: Police shot dead two suspected highway robbers along Nakuru-Gilgil highway on Thursday night.

Nakuru OCPD Bernard Kioko said the two were in company the of three others who escaped during the incident.

Kioko said the suspects who were armed with guns erected an illegal roadblock around Mbaruk area near St Mary’s Hospital where they posed as traffic police officers conducting checkup.

“The robbers posed as police officers on official duty inspecting vehicles along the highway,” said Kioko.

He said they were discovered by police officers who were on patrol and immediately, the suspects begun exchanging fire with the officers.

“The suspects were shot dead around 10pm after a fierce exchange of fire with police officers,” said Kioko.

Kioko added police have been trailing the suspects after they were reported to be carjacking vehicles along Nairobi-Nakuru highway and robbing passengers.

“Police have been trailing these suspects since last Wednesday after a lorry was carjacked and the driver and his co-driver attacked and left with serious injuries. The two are currently admitted at Rift Valley Provincial General Hospital’” he added.

Police recovered an AK 47 rifle, a toy pistol, one round of ammunition, two police jungle jackets and a blue police beret.

The OCPD said police have commenced  investigation to trace the three suspects who escaped adding they will not relent in their fight against crime.

He added that a police patrols has been intensified between Nakuru and Gilgil where most cases of Highway robberies have been reported.

The deceased were taken to Nakuru Municipal Mortuary.