Four suspected armed robbers were shot dead during a police operation along the Eldoret–Kiplombe road in Uasin Gishu County on Sunday night, while two others escaped with injuries after an exchange of gunfire with police.
According to Uasin Gishu County Police Commander, Wilberforce Sicharani, the operation was launched following a tip-off from members of the public about a group of individuals dressed in military attire and behaving suspiciously along the road.
Speaking at Eldoret Police Station on Monday, Sicharani said police officers responded immediately and confronted the suspects, ordering them to identify themselves.
“Instead of complying with the officers’ instructions, one of the suspects drew a pistol and opened fire, forcing the officers to return fire,” he said.
A gun battle ensued that left four suspects killed at the scene, while two others fled with gunshot wounds.
Police recovered a Falcon model pistol loaded with six rounds of ammunition, cash, wallets, a heavy masonry hammer and other tools believed to have been used in burglary and robbery activities.
Sicharani commended the officers involved in the operation, describing it as a major breakthrough in efforts to combat crime in the county. He also praised members of the public for providing timely information that enabled police to respond swiftly.
The commander urged residents to continue cooperating with security agencies by reporting suspicious activities, saying public support remains crucial in preventing crime.
The police commander said the bodies of the four suspects had been moved to the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital mortuary awaiting identification and post-mortem examinations.
He added that investigators have obtained leads that could help track down the two suspects who escaped and appealed to the public to report anyone seeking treatment for gunshot wounds, saying such information would be vital in ongoing investigations.
Meanwhile security is on high alert ahead of the planned Saba Saba commemorations on Tuesday July 7. However, Sicharani said police had not received any formal notification of demonstrations in Uasin Gishu County.
He urged residents to refrain from participating in unlawful protests, emphasizing that July 7 is a normal working day and warning against disrupting businesses and public order through unauthorized demonstrations.
The police commander was accompanied by County Criminal Investigations Officer Daniel Muleli and officers from the Forensics Crime Scene Investigations (FCSI) unit.
By Ekuwam Sylvester and Nelson Obwana
